After the breakthrough of teenage sensation Sam McCallum last season led to a seven-figure transfer to Norwich City, Coventry City enter the new season relatively light on natural left wing backs.
Brandon Mason, who had impressed in the Sky Blues first season in League One in 2018/19, is joined by Ryan Giles; the Wolves loanee returned to the Sky Blue Lodge for pre season for a second loan spell after the COVID-19 pandemic cut his first short. But who will Mark Robins rely on for the starting berth?
Which player could fit in better?
Each player has different strengths that may come in handy depending on the opposition. Mason, a former Watford youth player, became a fans favourite in his debut season with his hard-hitting tackles and defensive solidity.
The 22-year-old was considered unfortunate to lose his place in the side last season. Despite starting the season as one of the first names on the team sheet, a difficult run of games (including a 4-0 defeat to Rotherham United) culminated in McCallum making the position his own.
Giles, on the other hand, came into the club off the back of half a season playing in midfield for League One rivals Shrewsbury Town. Primarily deployed as a left midfielder, he has also covered at both left back and left wing for Wolves U23’s side.
Mark Robins clearly has plans to mould Giles into a left wing back in his side. He started City’s first friendly of pre season against Rangers in this position, and alongside Gustavo Hamer looked really impressive. He was involved heavily in the offside goal scored by Matty Godden at the turn of the first half and caused Rangers captain James Tavernier no end of problems with his bursting runs down the touchline.
With 123 crosses in 19 appearances for Shrewsbury (an average of 6.5 per game), he could be a real attacking asset for Mark Robins’ side. Mason, on the other hand, managed just 40 in 11 games - an average of less than four per game.
Conclusion
However, the defensive statistics of both players show that Brandon Mason would by far be the better option. In just 11 appearances, he managed 21 interceptions and won 17 tackles; Giles managed just five interceptions and won 15 tackles, despite making 8 more appearances.
Depending on the situation will depend on which left wing back Robins goes for. It remains to be seen whether the left wing back position in a back five would suit Mason. As Fankaty Dabo has shown on the opposing wing, it requires both defensive and attacking qualities. Against the top sides in the Championship, Mason will likely be a fantastic addition to help solidify the defence. However, whether he can provide the attacking prowess of both Dabo and Giles, remains to be seen.