Sideways Sammy

A hard-running, skilful player with great set-piece delivery and bright blonde hair, Jack Rudoni has instantly caught the eye at Coventry City. Billed as the Callum O’Hare replacement, Rudoni has had his moments early on at the CBS Arena where he’s looked set to be the star turn in the side. The concern with Rudoni is that a bit too much of the creative burden has been placed on his shoulders when he’s perhaps not quite the precise, decisive playmaker that many had hoped he would be. Clearly a player with a lot to offer this team, Rudoni needs help around him in order to move up a gear or two and excel this season.

Played just behind the centre-forward for much of the season, Jack Rudoni’s energy off-the-ball and occasional moments of skill have seen him involved in much of the team’s best play. However, Rudoni seems to lack either the confidence or the eye to play quick, killer passes in behind to unlock defences, which has been a key reason why Coventry City have often ended up playing slowly and aimlessly in the opposing half. It has been painfully apparent at times that Rudoni would be happier playing in a deeper role where less precision is demanded of him, which has been prevented by Mark Robins’ tactical inflexibility, as well as the decision to allow someone more comfortable in that role, Kasey Palmer, to leave on transfer deadline day.

At the moment, Jack Rudoni is someone who can be effective as part of a range of attacking options, rather than being the leading man himself. That work-rate, the ability to drive forward with the ball from midfield and the set-piece delivery are great, but not match-winning on their own. Rudoni has been thrust into a position of responsibility that he’s either not ready for or not quite suited to. Capable of filling in a few positions and chipping in with goals and assists, Rudoni is someone who is likely to prove a valuable option for the club over time. The key is finding players who can shoulder some of the burden that has been thrust Jack Rudoni’s way.