Matt Bloomfield has hinted that the injury to Reuell Walters could open the door for young forward Gideon Kodua after his impressive Luton debut provided glimpses of the all-action wing-back system that the manager wants to play.
A back stress fracture injury to Isaiah Jones, a groin issue for Tahith Chong and the transfer departure of Alfie Doughty to Millwall has restricted Bloomfield’s options in the wide berths, but there were promising signs on Tuesday night of the team Town could become despite a 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Coventry.
Kodua, who has been signed on loan for the season from West Ham with an option to buy, and Cohen Bramall, who joined the club before the opening game of the season, as Doughty’s replacement, were handed Hatters debuts at the CBS Arena. And, particularly in the first half, Luton enjoyed the width both men provided.
Asked whether the injury to Walters – who is expected to miss two to three weeks due to a groin issue – has left an opening for Kodua to make his mark, Bloomfield said: “With Rue’s unfortunate injury, we’re really disappointed for Rue because he’s had a very good pre-season, but it presents opportunities for other players and Gids is a young player. We got him on loan, and we’ve got an option to buy should we wish to. I believe that’s a great opportunity for us as a football club if he becomes the player we believe he can.”
However, the Hatters chief warned that Kodua is still working towards peak fitness.
“I thought he grabbed his opportunity. He’s not quite at match fitness and match sharpness yet, because, again, he missed the first few weeks of pre-season, then he wasn’t playing games because the move here was being negotiated and sorted,” Bloomfield explained.
“So he’s behind, but I thought he showed some real attacking instinct last night and we know that Gids is a boy who can take us up the pitch. One of the reasons why we wanted him here is because of that.”
The manager also discussed the broader tactical approach to Luton’s style of play and how it will evolve with wing-backs. Nigel Lonwijk has filled in there in the league games, though he is more of recognised centre back.
“I thought Nige was absolutely excellent when he came on, especially on the right hand side on Saturday,” Bloomfield said.
“We went to attack in those areas and [Tuesday] night with Gids and Cohen, it looked probably more like where we wanted to go in terms of using those as attacking players. But again, Gids has just been with us, Cohen’s just been with us. We’ve got to work towards where we want to get to and we’ve got to be solid and try and pick up points in the meantime, whilst we work towards the final product, right?
“So yeah, I think that was probably a little insight into it, but Milli’s [Alli] done that role for us. Nige has done excellent in that role as well at times and he’ll continue to offer an opportunity to be there, although we know that his best position is going to be within the back three. So, yeah, it’s getting the balance of the squad right to make sure that we can really go after the way of playing that we’re trying to do.”
He added: “Historically, we’ve played 4-2-3-1 more than we’ve played three at the back. We believed the squad, where it’s at right now, suits the three, which is why we’re doing that,” Bloomfield said. “It’s only the right thing to do if you’re creating chances and attacking in the way that we want to, but it’s getting the right pieces in the right places, when they’re fit, when they’re sharp, and at the right time to contribute. We feel like we’re on the way to getting to that team.”
As for Kodua’s future, Bloomfield is clear that the young forward will continue to be a key figure in the squad’s development.
“I believe in him, and the club believes in him as well. Yousuf (Sajjad, player recruitment manager) has watched him since he was younger at West Ham, so there’s a club element on him as well, absolutely,” Bloomfield said.
Kodua was also the subject of discussion in the latest Luton Town Supporters’ Trust Podcast, which you can watch below…
1 Trackback / Pingback
Comments are closed.