The Donaldson Debate

Ah, Clayton Donaldson, our non-prolific top goal scorer of the last two seasons. Understandably, he splits opinion among supporters. In this article, Rob Wildey argues the case for and against his inclusion as a regular starter.

FOR

Blues` reliance on Donaldson was bought to the fore last season. After returning from international duty with an injury, Gary Rowett was forced to play his only recognised striker, Nicolai Brock-Madsen. Suddenly, the link up play had disappeared, the channels weren`t being worked and the ball was crying out to be held up.

It`s fair to say that Donaldson`s off the ball work is the reason he is selected week in week out. No one can deny his work rate, hold up play, linking up play and presence is a key feature for Blues. But the question is – are Blues a poorer side without Donaldson?

AGAINST

Quite simply, Donaldson needs to do better in front of goal. He currently looks like a striker severely lacking in confidence and carries a minimal goal threat, despite the ‘mucky` things he does so well outside the penalty area.

He had the chance at Wigan to open his account for the season from the penalty spot and fluffed his lines. Luckily, David Davis was on hand to stab in the rebound.

Many fans argue that Donaldson has become ‘past it`, his legs have gone and his sharpness in front of goal has evaporated. His goal to games stats don`t present me much evidence to argue with. The question is – do Blues create enough chances for Donaldson? Or is he just not a goal scorer?

OUTCOME

For me, Donaldson is worthy of a starting place. But he desperately needs help and support up top – whether that is a case for changing formations or consistently putting a ‘number ten` in behind him and pace either side – only Rowett can decide.

Blues do not create a hatful of chances in any given game so a strikers job is automatically made harder due to this. I would quite happily see Donaldson taken out of the firing line if he was failing to score goals when given top class service. Until that day comes, the argument will continue.