Five thoughts following Port Vale’s FLT game with Tranmere
Following Port Vale’s Football League Trophy game with Tranmere Rovers, we’ve drawn up five points which arose after the final whistle.
This is not a comprehensive list and you may not agree with our choices. If you don’t scroll to the bottom of this feature and click on the button to have your say (or add questions of your own) on the dedicated forum thread.
Versatile Montano is a threat on the wing
There’s been some debate about how to replace the departed Rhys Browne but Cristian Montano’s performance on Tuesday could mean the answer is already in their squad. Pushed up to a forward role, Monty caused the Tranmere defence all sorts of problems. With Monty, David Worrall, David Amoo and Devante Rodney all able to play wide, it means John Askey won’t have to rush to bring in a replacement for Browne.
A fit Oyeleke is a real asset
It was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the season so far to see Manny Oyeleke back in a Port Vale shirt. The midfielder has been hit by a string of injuries but his 45 minute performance on Tuesday shows what an asset he can be when fully fit. Playing a withdrawn role, his long passing was exemplary while he also went closest to giving Vale the lead in the first-half.
Rodney shows potential
The second-half cameo of Devante Rodney saw him powering all over the pitch and creating numerous opportunities as a result. David Worrall is often praised for his all-action displays in a Vale shirt but Rodney could run him close this season. He looks full of confidence already so who knows what a goal or two will do to his form?
Visser can provide genuine competition for Brown
For the first time in some years, Vale have two experienced goalkeepers that they can rely on. After the comedic procession of keepers from 2016 to 2017, the club now has an established pair. If Scott Brown is still suffering from his summer injury then Visser will have done his chances of starting on Saturday no harm with a confident and headline grabbing debut on Tuesday night.
Valiants demonstrate their squad versatility
Nathan Smith at right-back, Cristian Montano on the wing, Tom Conlon the holding midfielder, Adam Crookes at centre-half, Devante Rodney wide – Tuesday night’s line-up showed the versatility of the Port Vale squad with so many players able to play in more than one position. It offers cover for injuries and another way to change things around if things aren’t going well.
Are there any we’ve missed?
Have we missed a point? Is there another question to address? You can chip in with your comments and questions on the forum. Click on the button below: