The news that John van ‘t Schip and Melbourne City have targeted defensive reinforcements in January has been music to the ears of the Sky Blue persuasion. But in January signings Safuwan Baharudin and Jack Clisby, have the club properly solved the problem that has plagued them all season, that being a lack of natural full-back?
This season has seen City concede 24 goals in just 13 games, which is the leagues third worst defensive record and the blame has been attributed on a number of reasons, the first being a distinct lack of natural wide defenders in the squad.
In former Perth Glory defender Jack Clisby, they have a naturally left footed centre-half capable of playing a more defensive role at left-back, to compliment the trio of Ben Garuccio, Jonatan Germano and Iain Ramsay, none of whom would call the defensive flank their natural position.
With Clisby, the most defensive minded of the players, set to slot straight into left-back – with Garuccio his deputy – Ramsay will most likely foray back into the front third, while Germano continues his return to full fitness.
And with that, the right-back position then appeared to be the biggest problem, with Jason Hoffman – another natural forward – and youngster Ross Archibald both less than convincing in the role, while Rob Wielaert has shown he lacks the legs to play at a wide back position.
In fact, the startling lack of pace in the City back-line is a problem of its own.
Wielaert and Kisnorbo were heavily exploited in the early stages of the season, and while the return of Connor Chapman did add some speed to the defensive structure, the youngster is merely at the beginning of his Melbourne City career, and having spent the first two months of the season battling injury and illness, it would be a tall order to expect the fledgling to start every game here on out.
This is where Singaporean international Safuwan comes into play, with the 43 time-capped defender filling some much needed voids in the Melbourne City defence. Having trialled with the club for over two weeks before eventually putting pen to paper, the versatile and mobile centre-half by trade, would’ve developed a decent understanding of his teammates game style, having travelled to Abu Dhabi on their mid-season tour.
With plenty of bodies in the way of a starting berth for the slightly built man, 23-year-old Safuwan will most likely line up in right-back against Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday, and he’ll add a much needed defensive stability from wide areas, while also offering a mobile option in the heart of defence if required.
Singaporean national teammate Hariss Harun believes his counterpart has all the skills to make it in the A-League.
“I think he’s a very talented footballer, he’s one of our best players as well. He’s very capable and the A-League’s very physical so he’ll become a better player,” Hariss said.
“He’ll be pushed around coming here because of his physique, he might find it a bit difficult but he’ll improve his physique and will be a better player for sure.”
Safuwan himself has declared his Melbourne City stint one that was impossible to turn down, while also giving an insight into his hard working nature.
ANNOUNCEMENT | @MelbourneCity sign Singaporean International @saftwentyone Read more > http://t.co/TdbwbqDZqs pic.twitter.com/0xVlBKh5AO
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) January 28, 2015
“When this opportunity came, I told myself that I had to go all out because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that may never come again,” Safuwan told melbournecityfc.com.au.
“I worked very hard, and I really enjoyed training with the team in Abu Dhabi and got along well with the other players. I am very happy that the coaches were happy with what they saw.
“I am looking forward to doing my best for the club and as an ambassador of Singapore. I want to make my parents and family proud of me.”
So while Melbourne City may not have signed the natural full-backs they may have thought they required this transfer window, the purchases of both Safuwan and Clisby may just prove to be a masterstroke for coach van ‘t Schip, and it all starts Sunday against the Wanderers.