Rob Apter has been one of the standout stars in Blackpool’s faltering season thus far, but it looks like the winger has been struggling to make things happen in recent weeks.
Despite a goal in the opening 11 minutes in Blackpool’s recent home fixture against Huddersfield, Apter missed two great chances to seal victory for the home side late on in the game, with the score at 2-2.
The youngster is evidently becoming frustrated with his own performances, snatching at shots and trying desperately to drive his team up the pitch in a bid to make a difference.
With Neil Critchley sacked at the start of the season, and new manager Steve Bruce opting to play a different formation from his predecessor, Blackpool have found themselves short on wingers this season, with CJ Hamilton, the club's only other natural winger, facing a period on the sidelines through injury.
However, with the January transfer window opening, Blackpool have signed Sam Silvera on loan from Middlesbrough, and this could help Rob Apter thrive in his current role at the club in several ways.
Silvera Offers Direct Competition For Apter
Players perform better when they have competition at their club. The need to keep their performances up on the pitch, and keep their team winning, allows them to cement their place in the team.
That is no different in League One than it is in the Championship, and Rob Apter will be desperate to keep his place in the team with the arrival of the Middlesbrough man.
Before the signing of Silvera, even if Apter performed poorly, there was no competent replacement. The only other winger at the club, CJ Hamilton, has been injured for a prolonged period, and the players shoehorned into a winger's position, such as Sonny Carey and Elliot Embleton, have failed to adapt to the role.
But, with the transfer window, Bruce has been able to bolster his options out wide, whilst CJ Hamilton has also returned from injury, meaning there is real competition out wide within Blackpool's ranks now.
Silvera is a different type of winger compared to Apter, giving Bruce different options for various in-game scenarios.
Whilst Silvera showed the same directness when attacking, he did this with pace, rather than the technical skill that Apter shows. Silvera wants to stay out wide, attack the fullbacks and get crosses into the box, whilst Apter prefers the linkup play, quick passing and mainly cuts inside to get a shot off.
This difference in style could be a hindrance for Apter, as, during the latter stages of the game, Bruce may opt for pace over technical skill, cutting short Apter's time on the pitch.
But, it also gives Apter someone else to learn from. He can observe the importance of staying out wide, beating his man and putting a good ball into the box, which could be vital in the youngster's development this season, as he is still yet to register an assist in the league.
Change of Formation/Position
Currently, Burce opts to play a 4-4-2 formation, with Apter preferred in the right-midfield position, with Hamilton on the left.
But the signings of Silvera, and Tom Bloxham from Shrewsbury, give Bruce the numbers, and the option, to change to a 4-3-3 formation if needed.
For Apter, this could result in a change of position. He could either be pushed higher up the pitch in a right winger role, or, more suitably, he could be put as a number ten, as the further forward man of the midfield three, with Silvera out wide instead.
This would suit Apter more, as it gives him the ability to roam around the pitch, supporting either side, whilst also participating in the linkup play he likes to produce.
One of Apter's main weaknesses this season has come from his lack of pace. Often, he has tried to take his man on and succeeded, but the defender has been able to recover quickly due to Apter's inability to break away with his pace.
His passing ability could help unlock some of the sterner defences in the league as well, with Blackpool lacking a midfielder with an eye for a pass in the final third.
Playing in the middle of the pitch would allow Apter to grab himself some assists, and be part of the linkup play, whilst also still being able to get on the scoresheet himself.
It would require him to be somewhat more defensive than if he was playing as a right winger, but he has already become accustomed to this whilst playing on the right side of midfield.
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