Thoughts on Toral

Jon Toral was probably an unknown entity when he was revealed as a Birmingham City signing earlier this Summer.

We have always welcomed youth. Whether it be directly from the academy such as Redmond and Butland or loans from other clubs such as Lingard and Ibe. I think this shows the ethos of the club is spot on; to nurture talent.

Youth loans under Clark was a way of not spending loads of money, or indeed any at all if it could be helped. The youngsters filled in but due to a lack of experience, many just were not at the required standard for a club like ours.

I know its not like me to be sceptical… But I was unsure whether Toral was needed. We had Shinnie and Brown who I felt could do the number 10 role and also Gleeson, Davis, Adams and Kieftenbeld who are all challenging in the centre of midfield. I questioned the need for an inexperienced young lad.

The more I watch of him and the more I hear Arsenal fans talk about him, the greater belief I have that Toral should start games. Yes, he will need to be rested because young players need to be cared for, but he is a starter wherever possible for me!

Midfielders who stand out are often ones who can score, it’s the sad truth. Lampard, Gerrard… They both had the ability to pass and also score. Toral also has a good finishing ability because he is calm and often goes for precision over power.

Other than Cotterill, I have felt that the midfield didn’t contribute enough goals. Shinnie got a few as well as Gray but not enough to take the burden off Donaldson’s shoulders. Toral may add this to the team.

It’s still early days but Rowett has faith by starting him over Shinnie in today’s match against Reading. Whether Shinnie was fully fit, who knows, but I think that Toral grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

What do you think? Please comment below.