Bradford City facing big Nick Powell headache already at Valley Parade | OneFootball

Bantams boss Graham Alexander up against selection conundrum after ex-Manchester United player joins to bolster attacking ranks.

Bradford City continued their unbeaten League One start with a 2-1 win over Stockport County on Tuesday. A strong second-half showing reiterated that City are not here to make up the numbers, instead showing their ambition to compete at the top of the division.

Earlier this week, the club announced the capture of highly-rated attacking midfielder Nick Powell from Stockport after days of speculation. The 31-year-old becomes Bradford’s tenth signing in a busy transfer window, having previously featured at County, Stoke City and Manchester United.

Back in 2012, Powell completed a big-money move to Old Trafford, after an impressive campaign at then League Two side Crewe Alexandra.

Speaking to the club, Powell repeated the desire for continued success with City.

Graham Alexander needs to make difficult choices to fit in key players

The signing of Powell will excite supporters, who are already impressed with the club’s fast start in the third tier, and could create a welcome headache for manager Graham Alexander.

After all, City are by no means lacking in quality in this area of the pitch. Star players Bobby Pointon and Antoni Sarcevic currently occupy attacking midfielder roles behind Stephen Humphrys, who is currently being used as a nine. However, the impending return of talisman Andy Cook begs the question: where is Nick Powell going to play, and who will be sacrificed at his expense if he does start?

Based on current form, it is highly unlikely that Pointon or Sarcevic drop out of the fold, and the same goes for Humphrys too. The ex-Barnsley forward has impressed in claret and amber in the opening weeks as he looks to lock down a starting spot.

Captain Max Power and Tommy Leigh make up the holding midfield pairing that Alexander has opted for thus far, and both have matched the standard of League One well. New signing Jensen Metcalfe, and Alex Pattison will both want in on their share of playing time too, while Alexander must also be careful of maintaining the right balance of attacking prowess and defensive discipline in midfield. New signing Powell may have to settle for a place on the bench for now, and take his opportunities as and when they come.

Goalscorer Andy Cook aims to make quick impression upon return

Contributing to Alexander’s selection dilemma will be the approaching return of striker Cook, who has finished as the club’s top scorer for the past five seasons. Having been ruled out of the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign with an ACL injury in January, Cook will be itching to get back on the field. Now nearing 35, there is still a question mark over whether the striker can deliver in a better league after such a prolonged period away, though it would be foolish to write off Cook given his extraordinary haul for City.

One solution to the selection problem could be for the Bantams boss to rotate his players more often, something that he admitted is something he needs to work on as a manager. At times last season, the 53-year-old was critisised for not getting the most out of a large squad, despite eventual promotion success. The demands of League One football will require him to have a more astute attitude towards managing his squad, and this predicament allows him to do that. The Bantams face a busier schedule after progressing in the cup, so player rotation will be crucial.

In the second round of the League Cup, Bradford face Powell's former side Stoke City - another huge test for Alexander's side.

In the meantime, this conundrum will be hard to solve, but will be to the benefit of Bradford in the long run as they try to cement a spot in the top half of the division. Nick Powell will certainly add quality, whether that be in the starting eleven or from the bench, and has been tipped to recover some form with his new club. Alexander continues to speak about progress, and maybe that will come with a personal change from the gaffer – he needs to get used to utilising his tools in the most effective way possible, with this a very new headache.

The way that he uses his new man will be a signpost of such growth, and if done correctly, there is every chance that the signing of Powell will come good for the club.