Cardiff City Squad Review (11/12): Ben Turner

A brief look at the individual contributions of all the major Cardiff City players over the course of the 2011/12 season. The 'rating` as given is not purely based on performance but more the impact that player had compared to what we could realistically have expected at the start of the year and given their own standards and reputation.


25 - Ben Turner

he acquisition of Turner certainly raised a few eyebrows with Malky Mackay blowing a big chunk of the transfer budget on a player who had been long term injured, and was still some way from making a first team return. Some felt the money could have been better used elsewhere with Hudson, Gerrard, Keinan, Gyepes and Blake all available to play at centre-half. However, those doubts were dispelled with 'Big Ben` going on to regain full fitness and strike up a formidable partnership with Mark Hudson.

A dominant and powerful defender, Turner is also a footballer who likes to be involved and is more than adept at receiving and distributing possession. His left-footed tendency works well and he remained injury free after returning to action - a major positive for Cardiff City`s season. Whilst his passing is generally good, his favoured cross-field ball became a little tedious especially with Miller unable to challenge effectively in the air but in fairness to Turner, he often had no viable midfield option and was sometimes forced to go long.

The former Coventry City man also contributed in the opposition half with a number of important goals, usually from set-pieces. None will be more memorable than his dramatic late equaliser to send the Carling Cup final to extra-time and penalties. He kept cool to stab home at the far post and spark wild celebrations amongst City fans. The emergence of Turner as such an impressive and powerful defender will see a number of Premiership sides show an interest. However, the Bluebirds will fight hard to keep the man who is surely the most well-rounded centre-half at Cardiff City since Roger Johnson.

Season`s Rating: 8/10

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