As we near the end of the January transfer window, the thoughts of most Town fans will inevitably lead to which last-minute signings might be made, particularly any that could solve the lack of goals, which has been a bit of an issue throughout the campaign.
While signings in that department would be nice, of equal, if not more importance, could be keeping a key member of the personnel currently at the club fit.
I’m not talking about Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, although obviously keeping him fit is naturally important in its own right, particularly in light of him getting better with every match he plays. I am talking about James Bree.
The recently turned 23-year-old is largely undervalued and underrated by many Town fans, but his importance over the coming months could change all of that.
Under current boss, Nathan Jones, we have grown used to the full-backs being a huge part of the way we work, and there are already signs that Bree is going to continue that trend.
The Hatters manager reflected on this in his press conference yesterday when he stated: “We’ve always had athletic full-backs and real ones that are fluid and fluent, are up and down and then can defend. They are key to how we want to play and in the modern game, they are key to how any team plays.”
Although his defensive work is going to be important as we grow into this division and progress, Bree’s attacking play could be even more vital given that the funds needed to sign high-quality players for this level are beyond us at the present time.
Statistics will tell you that Bree is actually one of the best attacking full-backs in the Championship, therefore it should be no surprise that, of the three goals the Town have scored in January since his return from injury, the former Aston Villa man has assisted two of them. He arguably should have had another with the chance he created for Harry Cornick at Brentford too.
While the work Matty Pearson and Martin Cranie did in that position while Bree was injured was good, their attacking instincts and qualities are not those of the naturally more attack-minded defender.
The forward play of Bree has a couple of benefits as we search for those elusive goals. Firstly his runs down the right side are so good that the wider player from the midfield or attack, depending on the formation we play, can be in the box. This will provide an extra body in there to pick out or someone who can attract defenders, which is something we saw work perfectly at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when Bree crossed for Jordan Clark to score.
Secondly, the quality of ball coming in from that side is going to be so much better so the likes of James Collins, Danny Hylton or Sam Nombe can expect good service if they get themselves into the right positions.
While a new signing or two would be nice before the window slams shut on Monday evening, goals should naturally start to come more if Bree stays fit.
More so if our strikers get in the box including the latest buzzword the second six yard box.