Lincoln City: Surprise factor has helped fill Huddersfield Town void | OneFootball

Tendayi Darikwa has filled the void left by one of Lincoln City’s summer sales, with a surprising eye for goal adding to his shine.

Tendayi Darikwa has filled the void left by one of Lincoln City’s summer sales, with a surprising eye for goal adding to his shine.

The wing-back replaced Dane Lasse Sorensen, who exited as a fan favourite to join fellow Sky Bet League One outfit Huddersfield Town.

Tendayi Darikwa is a surprise attacking outlet

Darikwa was signed to patch up the gaping hole Sorensen left in the Imps line-up when he jumped ship to West Yorkshire. The departed former-midfielder became an example of Lincoln’s transfer model, signing players on cheap deals, before building them up, and selling them on for profit.

But, as much as that was an undeniable positive for Lincoln, he left a void.

However, Darikwa has stepped up to fill it. In 19 League One appearances, the third tier promotion winner has netted three times and assisted three more goals.

That attacking output has come as a surprise, and is just one behind being his most productive season in terms of goal contributions in League One.

His best season for attacking returns in all came more than a decade ago, when he contributed 12 in Sky Bet League Two for Chesterfield, according to Transfermarkt.

Filling the Lasse Sorensen shaped hole

Sorensen was reliable for Lincoln, being one of their most important cogs in their forward play.

Hs defensive aptitude is bettered by Darikwa, in my opinion, while Sorensen retains the edge in the attacking quarters. The Dane netted six times last term, assisting eight further goals, in all competitions.

The wing-back, who arrived at Lincoln from Stoke City, is currently on the injury list at Huddersfield, but has the quality to be a real tour de force for the promotion-chasing Terriers.

Meanwhile, Darikwa has filled the void Sorensen left in Lincolnshire perfectly, not only continuing his goalscoring exploits, but providing more defensive solidity. The former Wigan man has even slotted into the centre of defence for the Imps, when injuries prevented an ideal squad selection for head coach Michael Skubala.

He brings an added versatility that Lincoln previously did not have, being able to chip in across the backline, alongside his usual wing-back duties.

The signing of the season for Lincoln City

Lincoln will have to go some to match or surpass how good summer signing Darikwa has turned out to be.

A consummate professional, the wing-back has slotted seamlessly into the Imps line-up and has provided an extra dynamic to the team. That has come in both defence and attack, as well as a clear off the field influence.

Darikwa is an old head by modern-day Lincoln standards, and is the oldest player in the Imps squad at 33. As well as the quality and poise he has shown on the field, the difference he makes in terms of adding an experienced player to the City dressing room cannot be played down either.

His pace and energy is of a man much younger, with Darikwa proving to be a real hit for Lincoln this season.