Shinnie’s beautiful golden quiff is often seen bobbing around in midfield under Gary Rowett; a stark contrast to his miserable spell under Lee Clark.
The midfield maestro, I felt at the start of the season, was a bit lightweight for midfield; as I often prefer the tough tacklers in the centre of the park.
However, a midfield partnership needs to be complimentary. Davis and Shinnie go together like Ant and Dec, tomato and basil and Gary Rowett and round necked jumpers.
Davis, the man who is guaranteed a yellow card per game and breaks up play as effectively as anyone I have seen. Shinnie, the showman, who has the skill and the elegance to pick out passes and switch play with ease.
So was the introduction of Davis the reason why Shinnie has become such an integral part of the team? I think it was certainly a factor.
Another reason may be due to the managerial style that Rowett has. He gave Shinnie a free role in midfield. This allowed him to get forward and get in between gaps like water does in a sponge. Due to this, his creative juices were not restricted and we certainly reaped the rewards.
In terms of next season, I’d like to see Shinnie play just behind the striker. He has all of the attributes to play through balls into a striker and to send the ball out wide if that is a more sensible option. He also has the pace and the anticipation, to get into the box and be on the end of any cross.
(Although, with his immaculate hair cut, I doubt he wants to be on the end of many!)
With this change in formation, it does limit the chance for Koby Arthur to get into the team, as just behind the striker would be a perfect position for him. Also, with Davis behind Shinnie, there needs to be another CM. Tesche would be good, but currently signed to the club, Gleeson isn’t good enough and Reece Brown and Charlee Adams are not yet ready.
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