The Shopping List: CAM

Some targets Coventry could & should be looking at. You can thank me later Dean Austin

Attacking-Midfield.

With player-of-the-season Jack Rudoni making such an impact in his first season in Sky Blue, 21 goal contributions in 40 starts in the league, and with Torp showing signs he too could have a break out season, Coventry are in a very strong position here. It would take a significant bid from a Premier League club if he were to move, meaning there would be a good kitty available to try and replace him. If a Premier League club does does come-a-knocking, here are some options:

Dominik Fitz has probably been the best player in the Austrian Bundesliga this season (although I’d rather he didn’t have the gloves on).

He has a remarkable 50 goals in 196 appearances for Austria Wien, and at 25, if he’s going to make a move it needs to be soon. He won’t give you an aerial threat like Rudoni, but he has the ability to pick a pass, along with a fantastic shooting technique. Decent ball carrier too. 1 year remaining on his contract, and valued at €3million.

If Fitz is the player of the season, Dejan Zukic who Wolfsberger AC signed from the Serbian league last July, isn’t far behind. More in the Rudoni mould, Zukic is all about dribbling, carrying, crossing and shooting. This seasons goal scoring record is nothing new for the Serb, with 33 amassed for his former club Volvodina whilst regularly captaining the side. Was linked to Arsenal and Chelsea as a youngster. Now 24, that potential is being fulfilled. Similar value to Fitz, albeit under a longer contract.

Lausanne’s Alvyn Sanches has been previously mentioned (16 goal contributions in 27 starts and a phenomenal ball carrier), but cruelly picked up a cruciate injury on international duty back in March. His teammate, Antoine Bernede who I profiled in December, did move on loan to Hellas Verona in January, with mixed results, and it’s unclear if that’s been made permanent.

Luton’s Thelo Aasgaard impressed in the Championship, and made his Norway debut back in March. His international manager has made it clear that he won’t be picked whilst in League One.

He’s been a goal threat throughout his career, and his physicality helps him get through plenty of defensive work. Chance creation is the area he needs to work on. Don’t forget though, that playing in a better side for the level, allows players to flourish (his creative numbers were better in Wigan side that tried to play a bit, compared to a Luton side that doesn’t really play at all). It’s hard to work out his value, there may have been a relegation clause, if not, Luton are in good financial shape despite back-to-back relegations.

I’ve mentioned the diminutive Tiago Dantas plenty of times before, but he would be to supplement Rudoni, instead of replace. Toni Fruk of Rijeka continues to pump out the assists in the same league.

Czech international Pavel Sulc is a proper all-rounder of a number 10.

His performances on the European and international stage, have alerted clubs, and there may well be bigger fish circling. Viktoria Plzeň are going to find it incredibly difficult to replace him if he does move on. You’re talking big bucks for this one. 1 year to go on contract, valued at €10million.

Daan Heymans has had a breakthrough season for Sporting Charleroi. Another athletic goal threat, who’s strong in the duel, he might lack the technique needed in tight spaces to unlock low-blocks.

If you google Mohammed Ihattaren, you’ll find some interesting stories, and this one doesn’t lack technique, and has put up some fantastic crossing numbers in a side just relegated from Eredivisie. Golden boy gone bad. PSV, Ajax, Juventus to now 2nd tier RKC Waalwijk. Is one successful season enough to show he may well yet fulfil his talent? Would be a brave move.

You can find my articles about GK/full-back recruitment, CB and CM recruitment below.

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