Reliable transfer sources in the Kenyan circle state that Nzoia Sugar attacking midfielder Joseph Mwangi has penned a deal with Kenyan Bigwigs Tusker FC. A signing that could be stated as a coup for the Robert Matano led side as Mwangi’s 14 goals and 7 assists in the recently concluded FKF Premier League is a very welcome addition to any side. In this piece I look to understand the profile of the player and how he could slot into the Tusker FC side that will clearly be looking to come out all guns blazing after going trophy less.Mwangi’s football intelligence is among the best in the country, his understanding of game situations is top notch. He is great at finding the right moment to hold or pass the ball. He moves into spaces intelligently, allowing him to exploit an advantageous starting position for his following action as will be stated further.Under the tutelage of Coach Salim Babu, now an assistant at Kenya Police FC, Nzoia Sugar set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation. James Mwangi was employed ostensibly as the number 10. The Nzoia Sugar in possession structure would look to have him high up the pitch, even having Mwangi more advanced than the wide players on some instances. His main role was to provide from high up and make third man runs into the box when the team launched attacks.Although the number 10 role, especially with the Kenyan clubs dynamics require a player who is well versed with playing with his back to goal and receiving on the half turn to facilitate attacks, at Nzoia FC James Mwangi would predominantly look to receive facing forward, he would look to drift into the half-spaces so that the passes into him are always diagonal.Mwangi confident of turning professional after Nzoia sojourn##NAJAVA_MECA_7383220##Robert Matano’s Tusker side majorly set up in a 1-4-3-3 formation, granted their in possession structure can morph into a 1-3-2-5 or a 1-2-4-4 meaning James Mwangi will still operate higher up the pitch, however he will need to introduce some versatility in his style of play especially on creating from second balls noting how Tusker FC look to go long then duel and build from the second ball. Watching Mwangi play, one can be left in awe at his agility, clearly something that sets him aside from others. How Mwangi leverages his dynamics on the pitch to solve the situations he is involved in is key to his playing style.At Tusker FC, we should expect Mwangi to act as the main creator too. The Tusker set up could look to have him receive the ball in positions where he can gather pace and then play into the main striker to attack the goal. With FKF Premier League teams being very compact centrally, the need for players like Mwangi is key. Most defensive set ups in the league are good at closing down zones and offering very few spaces between the lines , thus the dynamic of receiving and running into the space is key in cracking these structured defenses and this is something Mwangi will be very good at.However, when Tusker set up in a 1-4-3-3 can Mwangi be able to slot in as number 8? The Tusker set up will need him to play a little deeper sometimes, not necessarily as the first phase playmaker but at least where he will be comfortable as the deepest in a wide triangle. This 1-4-3-3 is played by Tusker with the aim of having a 3v2 overload against most teams that employ double pivots in midfield, thus Tusker FC have the superiority especially when dueling for second balls. Playing Mwangi as an 8 will look to ensure he improves his defensive work rate too, especially in the second ball duels and even pressing the opposition players from settled play. When Tusker plays in a 1-4-3-3 they look to give room to their centre forward to drop deeper too and free up the wingers/wide attackers. Thus Mwangi will have to drift wide on occasions to link up with the wingers and advancing fullbacks, a role he could take time to settle in but one he will take up well when comfortable especially as his technical ability is very good. Playing as a wide 8, it will not be shocking to see Mwangi demand the ball and on receiving it in the halfspace see him manage to pick up speed and attack oppositions last lines.Another ace up Tusker’s sleeve will be how their new recruit times his runs in behind well, the midfielders will have to always be alert as he normally makes runs in behind opposition defenses, well timed runs and finishes with aplomb. Something Tusker will really look to exploit.How AFC Leopards got slapped with 20 million fine, three window transfer ban over Aussems contract sagaJoseph Mwangi’ s combination of strengths allows him to create, make very minimal errors and bring in a surprising element in play. When he is involved, his actions seem to contribute to the game of his team well, he can either bring the ball in a more forward position and closer to dangerous zones or can move into spaces terrorizing opposition last lines with his well-timed off the shoulder runs. At Tusker he will encounter a different ball game but he should suit in pretty well. He will need to work on improving his work rate in pressing and winning the second ball duels either through direct duels or impeccable positioning for the second ball interceptions.However, It will be exciting to see how Mwangi’s footprint on Tusker FC’s game will improve the Ruaraka based teams offensive output.
