Last season was a nightmare for Michael Rose. Injured for the majority of the campaign, when fit, Rose had an unfortunate habit of getting sent-off or scoring own goals. This season is an opportunity for Michael Rose to prove that last season was simply unlucky, rather than a reflection of his true level of ability. The early signs are that last year was a blip for Michael Rose, however, with three places in central defence being competed for by four players, he’ll have to build on that to ensure that he isn’t the odd one out.
A composed defender and an excellent passer of the ball, the only thing missing in Michael Rose’s game is a level of pace, which can leave him exposed in one-against-one situations – especially at Championship level. Rose is someone has to rely on positioning to avoid opponents being able to get a step ahead of him, which is something he generally does quite well but is an area of improvement. The quality that Rose offers on the ball with his range of passing will be an asset for the team this season, especially in the wake of Leo Ostigard’s departure, but, having been moved to the left of the back three, the arrival of the left-footed Jake Clarke-Salter has seen Rose drop out of Mark Robins’ preferred central defence for the time being.
It is a long season ahead and there will be opportunities for Michael Rose to stake a claim for himself along the way. With there being question marks against the individual capabilities of each of the other three centre-backs currently, it is an area of the team that is especially in flux, despite a lack of numbers – excluding fringe players, Josh Pask and Declan Drysdale. A fully-fit and on-form Michael Rose could be a huge asset to the way this Coventry City side wants to play, he could well prove to be the best central defender currently on the books.
Sideways Sammy 