How Hibs can benefit from intense competition in key battleground areas – and why they need strength in depth
How Hibs can benefit from intense competition in key battleground areas – and why they need strength in depth.
Rocky Bushiri might be gone for a month at the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts just before Christmas in Morocco.
That explains at least some of Hibs’ reasoning for stockpiling central defenders in the summer transfer window, with Zach Mitchell’s delayed arrival just after Deadline Day officially giving David Grey five players vying for a maximum of three spots.
Elsewhere in the first-team locker room at East Mains, the depth provided in important areas is substantial.
As a result, the battle for game time will only escalate; if competition is the best coach in the game, Hibs training should be off the charts in the coming season.
And, while the vast number of players returning from international service in the coming days will help, Grey will undoubtedly want a lot of bodies in the coming weeks and months.
Because, following Saturday’s late kickoff versus Dundee United at Easter Road, things get a little frantic. Starting with Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup last-16 match against Rangers at Ibrox, Hibs will face three very different tests in the space of one week.
After Govan on the 20th, they go to Falkirk on Tuesday, September 23rd, for a Scottish Premiership match that was postponed due to the Edinburgh club’s attempt to qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
Then it’s off to Celtic Park on Saturday, where Hibs will face the defending champions – and champions elect, according to most – in what is officially the toughest fixture on the schedule. Oh, and just before the next international break disrupts normal service, they have Hearts at Tynecastle.
Scotland starter Hanley bolsters centre-half ranks
When Grant Hanley signed as a free agent and Marvin Ekpiteta was allowed to join MK Dons, it appeared that Hibs were following a one-in, one-out philosophy in an area where the squad already had decent depth.
However, Lewis Miller, a wingback who had previously excelled on the right side of the back three, was also sold to Blackburn early in the transfer season.
Grey now has 6’2″ centre-half Mitchell on loan from Charlton, who impressed despite being part of a St Johnstone club that was demoted from the top flight last season.
Even if the Democratic Republic of the Congo advances to the AFCON Finals, which span from December 21 to January 18, Bushiri, a major figure for both his country and his club, will be out of action. Hanley, Warren O’Hora, Jack Iredale, and Mitchell will compete for three positions.
Jordan Obita, who prefers to play left back or wingback, hasn’t appeared out of place starting on the left side of a back three.
Central midfield well stocked – with Barlaser a Deadline Day arrival
Who starts at No. 10?
Of course, Hibs don’t always play a perfect 10. Grey, on the other hand, prefers an attacking midfielder who can get forward and join the front two in attack – as long as they perform their defensive duties.
Jamie McGrath has been an excellent signing. When fit, the former Aberdeen playmaker will most likely be the top choice at this position.
But he has Josh Campbell, Junior Hoilett, and a healthy Rudi Molotnikov competing for minutes; the fact that all four are versatile enough to play in numerous places is an added benefit for Grey.
Wide men lining up
On the left, it’s a straight battle between Nicky Cadden and Jordan Obita. Right wingback is slightly more complicated, with Chris Cadden first-choice starter.
Behind him, Kanayo Megwa remains a useful squad member – but might Josh Mulligan be a better option there, given the comparative strength in central midfield?
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