Tom Shaw has backed City’s attacking options to cover Freddie Draper’s absence against Burnley, with Mikkel Ladefoged among those in contention to start.
Draper will miss Saturday’s game after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season, leaving Tom and Chris Cohen with a decision to make up front. His absence opens the door for a teammate who has had to wait for minutes, although replacing his contribution involves more than finding somebody to get on the end of chances.
Tom pointed to the work City’s other centre-forwards have been doing while waiting for their opportunity.
“Freddie’s had a good start. He’s obviously got a couple of numbers to his name, but this is the nature of the beast. He’s picked up his fifth yellow card, and we’ve got really good options.
“The centre-forwards who haven’t had as much game time as they would have liked have been working really hard on their game. We’ve made it really clear what the demands are of that position. People will see the stuff Freddie does for the team, and it’s an opportunity for someone else to step in. We’re really excited by the options we’ve got.”
Record-signing Ladefoged is in contention to replace him, although Tom stopped short of confirming Saturday’s selection. He explained that the striker has needed time to get used to the demands of playing in City’s forward line.
“He’s definitely up for consideration. Like all the lads who come into our environment, it takes a couple of weeks to see what it’s all about and see what the demands are from myself, Chris and the coaching team. He’s responded really well.
“He’s definitely one that’s in contention. We’ve got another couple of options in that position, but if Mikkel gets the nod, he’ll have the full faith of the players, myself and Chris.”
Selecting Ladefoged would give City a different type of centre-forward, rather than a direct replacement for Draper. Tom explained that he and Cohen start by looking at the opposition’s defence, then consider which of their forwards can cause it the most problems.
“We’ve spoken about it a few times now. With every opponent, myself and Chris will look at them and look at what the holes might be in their back line. That’s the first thought every time we’re putting a game plan together.
“Having the attributes Mikkel has gives you certain dynamics and certain aspects that others haven’t got in our strikers’ department. We’ll look into that and see if he’s the best choice.
“We’re super adaptable on the top line. We’ve had games where we’ve picked four strikers. Everyone’s got different threats and a different physical profile, which we try to use to the maximum.
“We’re really fortunate. We’ve got a couple of other lads who haven’t really featured yet who, unfortunately, are injured at the minute. When they’re fit and firing, they’ve got stuff that the others haven’t as well. We’ve got a lovely blend in the top line, and it’s up to myself, Chris and the coaching team to get the most out of it.”
Freddie has earned his place, and kept it, but Saturday gives somebody else a chance to make a case for keeping it. If Mikkel gets the nod, a difficult afternoon for Burnley’s defenders would leave Chris and Tom with a more interesting decision when Draper returns.
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