Blackburn Rovers analysis: How will Valerien Ismael utilise new arrivals? Andri Gudjohnsen, Sidnei Tavares and more
It has been a very productive summer for Blackburn Rovers, with plenty of new signings through the door at Ewood Park.
Rovers have been equally busy with outgoings, however, many supporters have now pointed to the lack of Championship experience in Valerien Ismael’s squad.
Alongside this, the loss of several major squad leaders may have left the Blue and Whites in danger of struggling this season.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Thomas Robinson has looked back on a busy summer in Lancashire.
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Who departed Ewood Park?
Early in the window, Blackburn lost Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth, who both left at the end of their contracts to join fellow Championship side Derby County.
Club captain Lewis Travis later followed the duo to Pride Park, linking up with former Rovers boss John Eustace.
The North West club lost even more experienced players, with academy graduates Joe Rankin-Costello and John Buckley also departing Ewood Park for Charlton Athletic and Al Kholood, respectively.
Middlesbrough also raided Ismael’s squad, as wing-back Callum Brittian completed a switch to the Riverside.
Winger Dilian Markanday joined League Two Chesterfield for free, whereas Tyrhys Dolan swapped Lancashire for Barcelona, with a move to LaLiga outfit Espanyol.
Lastly, newly promoted Wrexham completed a Deadline Day deal for one of Blackburn’s main defenders, Dominic Hyam.
Overall, a huge loss of Championship experience needed to be replaced.
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Who were the new signings at Blackburn Rovers?
Within Rovers’ new additions, most of them make the starting lineup or at least create competition for first-team football.
Ismael boosted his defence with the additions of Sean McLoughlin and Ryan Alebiosu, who have become instant starters for the Frenchman.
Lewis Miller was also brought in from Scottish side Hibernian to reinforce the back line, however, the right-back has been in and out of the squad due to his versatility.
In midfield, Sidnei Tavares came in on a permanent deal in place of Travis and has shown his skill and great athleticism in a ‘box-to-box’ role.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman arrived on loan from Birmingham City and made his debut in Rovers’ 1-0 win over Watford.
Another signed on loan was Moussa Baradji, who is yet to feature for Blackburn due to surgery.
In terms of forwards, Blackburn have signed players to cover a range of positions to play across the front four.
Ryoya Morishita joined to boost the attack and has been amongst the goals, scoring against Watford, while Belgian Dion De Neve has also impressed since his arrival.
Axel Henriksson can play both in the middle and out wide, and has been brought in to give competition for the starting spots.
Finally, Andri Gudjohnsen signed from KAA Gent with high expectations.
The Icelandic international is the son of Chelsea legend Eidur Gudjohnson and scored against France during the international break.
The striker came off the bench against the Hornets and looked lively, showcasing his pace and power.
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Valerian Ismael’s plans
It seems as though Ismael is currently stuck between two game plans.
The Blackburn boss has deployed a 4-2-3-1, utilising wingers and triangular passes, or a 5-3-2, which was used against Watford to see out a narrow victory.
The versatile players at Ismael’s disposal can help him easily switch between game plans.
Overall, I don’t think the window has been a disaster, but as only a handful of games have been played, it will take time for players to adapt to Ismael’s tactics.
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