89 interceptions, 36 clearances – Should Cardiff City renew player’s contract or offload this summer? | OneFootball

Sean Morrison has spent eight seasons with Cardiff but with his contract due to expire in the summer, should the Bluebirds finally cut ties with the 31-year-old?

He’s been a regular in the side throughout that period, racking up nearly 300 league appearances for the club during his time there. However, this year he has managed just 16 starts and has now suffered an injury which won’t see him feature again this campaign.

The defender has only just entered his thirties and could still have plenty to offer to Cardiff if he did stay on at the club. But with some other, younger names available and coming through and with Morrison now suffering with this long-term injury, would it be worth agreeing an extension?

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Dillon Phillips

Hornchurch Enfield Dartford Chingford

In terms of his stats – as per WyScout – it makes for some fairly solid reading, as you would expect from a player with plenty of experience both with Cardiff and in the division. Defensively, his stats are arguably as good as ever based on the data he has produced in his 16 league appearances.

He’s still as feisty as ever and willing to put a foot in to break up opposition attacks, as shown by his 112 defensive duels with a success rate of 72.3%. In addition to that, he’s still as strong aerially too, with a 57% aerial duel success rate. That ability with his head has produced some excellent defensive stops, as well as some goals too.

He also averages over five interceptions per 90 minutes and just over two clearances as well – a very good return and it has arguably helped the Bluebirds to stay in games at times and keep them above the drop zone.

As you’d expect from a defender like Morrison, who doesn’t venture forward often, his attacking stats aren’t as impressive but he has shown a willingness to get on the ball and drive forward himself this season, with a 66.7% dribble success rate from his three efforts.

His passing has been as accurate as ever too, with a 79.9% success rate and a 63.1% success rate for longer, forward passes.

Morrison then has not lost much in many aspects of his game. Based on these stats, he can still do an incredible job at the back and can keep his side in games with his tackling, vision to make interceptions and read the game and his aerial ability.

If this injury doesn’t affect him too drastically and he returns as the same player he was previously, then he should certainly be kept on for now – and it would only be fair too considering the service he has given to the Bluebirds over the years.