On the surface, Cedric Kipre looks like a perfect fit for Cardiff City.
Cast aside by West Brom, having been used sparingly last season, the 25-year-old appears to boast athleticism and a calmness in possession, something which has been sorely lacking over a number of years at Cardiff City.
On his first initial outings for Cardiff, he has looked like a breath of fresh air. Willing to take the ball under pressure at the back, turn his opposing attacker and mounting attacks.
It's only pre-season, but the early signs, on the ball at least, appear to be solid. He will be tested far more when the Championship season rolls around, mind you, however he looks to be in contention for the Bluebirds' season opener against Norwich City.
But, having impressed many Cardiff fans during the friendlies, why hasn't it worked out at West Brom? The player was lauded for his time at Wigan and it was thought he would kick on during his time at The Hawthorns, but no such development took place.
Well, we sought the expert advice of Joe Chapman, Baggies correspondent for the Birmingham Mail. We asked him about his playing style, why it's not gone according to plan at West Brom and his future...
Q. Cardiff are looking to change their style, play out from the back more and utilise their centre-backs to start attacks, will Cedric Kipre fit into that?
Yes, he ought to. One of Kipre’s greatest strengths is definitely his ability to pass a ball, go long or on the ground. That was something that stood out to me at times last season under Valerien Ismael. He’s play on the right of a back three and start attacks down the wing or through the middle.
Q. In a recent fans’ survey, almost 80% of supporters wanted West Brom to get rid of Kipre this summer, why is that?
I think for one, Kipre was deemed expendable by many. He’s never been a first-choice defender in his entire time at the club, when he has played it’s usually because of injuries to other key centre-backs. Albion needed to make room for signings this summer and Kipre fits the mould in terms of players at the club who Albion fans wouldn’t be too unhappy to see leave.
Equally, for all of his ball-playing traits, he does have a mistake in him. Perhaps goes with the territory when you’re a ball-playing centre back.
Q. He seems to be known for his coolness on the ball, but what’s he like in the rough-and-tumble? Does he like a tackle? Is he good positionally and in the air?
His tackling execution has largely been fine, but my one concern with Kipre is his positional awareness. Too often he’ll step out when Albion are out of possession and then he’s facing his own goal with the opposition on the attack. He’s a big lad, of a significant build - I wouldn’t want to go up against him in the air!
Q. Given it hasn’t worked out for him so far at West Brom, could you see a loan to Cardiff becoming permanent next year?
Yes. If things work out for him. Equally, he could have a blinder and Albion - if they don’t go up - might need him back next season as they’ll have a couple of other centre halves out of contract this time next summer.
Kipre has two years left at Albion and so 12 months from next year. He’ll be 26 then, too, so it’ll be a big summer for him. He needs to take his chance.
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