Paul Heckingbottom is currently gearing his side up for the 2019/20 campaign. His recruitment has been decent so far, but bringing in a good quality CDM could take Hibs to the next level.
The Hibees have brought in a few fresh faces so far. Adam Jackson, Scott Allan and Joe Newell have all arrived at Easter Road so far.
Allan is back in Leith. (Photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
There is obviously still work to be done. They could be doing with reinforcements on the flanks and the club need one, possibly two, forwards.
One position they could really do with improving though is CDM.
A CDM can make or break a game
Hibs’ midfield is very attack minded. The likes of Allan and Stevie Mallan are attacking players. The only person who can operate in front of the back four effectively is probably Vykintas Slivka.
Slivka is the only one capable of playing CDM. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
If Heckingbottom can identify a good CDM, the Easter Road side will be a force. This position has so much importance out on the park and it’s is vital to how well a team does.
Ideally they are strong in the tackle, able to clear any danger before it reaches the defensive line. Once they have cleared it up, where possible, they should be controlling the ball and starting the play from the back.
A CDM is like the quarterback in American football. They sit slightly deeper than the rest of the attack and are instrumental in starting a forward charge. If they go down with a whimper, the full attacking operation crumbles and the opposition can begin to play from a decent position.
A CDM is like a quarterback. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
It’s a vital role Heckingbottom has to strengthen. Bringing in a decent midfield anchor will aid the attacking efforts, as well as the Hibees’ already solid backline.
Improving this position should be a must for Heckingbottom.