Monday 23 July 2018

Harmonious Huddersfield


I don’t think a small town in West Yorkshire could off dreamed about reaching the Premier League, let alone be gearing up for a 2nd consecutive season but that is what Huddersfield fans and players alike are gearing up for. It has been a sensational rise for the club from struggling near the bottom of the Championship to back to back Premier League campaigns. The likeable David Wagner has done a wonderful job with a small club with one of the smallest budgets in the league and he will be hoping to continue Huddersfield’s success. With loyal owner Dean Hoyle and David Wagner in charge of the club, there isn’t any reason they can’t have a third consecutive season. The terriers will be biting at the bit for the season to begin and with a brilliant fanbase behind them, there isn’t anything Huddersfield cannot achieve.

David Wagner’s high pressing style has allowed Huddersfield to be a solid defensive unit and create chances further up the pitch. Wagner’s philosophy is built on hard work and team work and this unity has given the whole club a belief that anything is possible. The club is united on all fronts from players doing a German style celebration after each match to the backing and belief that Dean Hoyle has in the squad and fans alike. The feel-good factor is scattered around the whole town and the football club has been firmly put on the map due to their Premier League status and they will be determined to keep it for the foreseeable future. Wagner’s style is built on a solid defence and the partnership off Mathias Jorgensen and Christopher Schindler has made Huddersfield a difficult unit to breakdown. However, Aaron Mooy is the important cog in the side which makes them tick, his box to box role in midfield means he plays a vital important role both creatively and defensively. Mooy is everything David Wagner expects from his teams a sense of hard work and a determination to succeed. He is certainly the creative spark in Huddersfield’s midfield despite his deep lying role in the side. However, despite their success in the previous season and Mooy’s best efforts, Huddersfield severely lacked goals despite the best efforts of Steve Mounie, Elias Kachunga and Laurent Depoitre. The goal drought is a severe concern because although they are defensively solid, Huddersfield need to find a way to score a solid amount of goals and I’m sure this is something David Wagner will work during pre-season and getting Huddersfield raring to go for the new season.

The transfer window is always an important time for every club whatever league they play in and Huddersfield are no exception. David Wagner has been busy bulking up his squad including signings previous season loan signings Jonas Lossl, Florian Hadergjonaj and Terence Kongolo. However, from the business Wagner has done so far it is clear where he feels Huddersfield need competition for places. A new striker would certainly be high on Wagner’s shopping list due to their lack of goals and Wagner will hope highly rated Monaco forward Adama Diakhaby will be the 20-goal season striker. Also, despite Mooy’s efforts, Huddersfield lack other creative forces in their midfield with other central midfielders Jonathan Hogg and Philip Billing and with Alex Pritchard still settling into Premier League, Wagner has added Juninho Bacuna and Ramadan Sobhi. Sobhi has shown glimpses of talent during his time at Stoke and could be a good signing and the unproven Juninho Bacuna could also play an integral role despite changing his cultures. However, Huddersfield need further creativity on their wings with Tom Ince, Elias Kachunga and Rajiv Van La Parra struggling in games to make the necessary impact so I’m sure Wagner despite having belief in those players will target another winger for competition and tactical purposes. Wagner believes in the plays he signs and that is certainly a positive attribute and why players are tempted to play for him. Wagner’s transfer activity has been very positive, and I’m sure delights the Huddersfield faithful and I don’t think he has finished yet with more signings possibly on his agenda. However, one thing is for sure Wagner will further install his philosophies on his new players and what the fans and club expect from their players therefore, intensifying the unity and spirit around the whole town.

A successful season in West Yorkshire is certainly survival once again and I’m confident if Huddersfield do or don’t achieve their ambition this season, they will be backed by a magnificent fan base who fill the John Smiths’ stadium week in week out. Wagner certainly admires the fans he represents and is desperate to please and the fans adore him back. Everything is harmonious at Huddersfield and its an exciting time not just for the football club but the entire town. Survival is certainly another brilliant season but there will a few Huddersfield fans dreaming off higher finishes and a potential cup run therefore feeling the sky’s the limit. The terriers will charge into the new season full of hope and optimism but be aware of what their realistic goals are for the season but with David Wagner’s style and belief in his squad they will hope survival is just the start for the terriers of Huddersfield.

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