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Glen Williams

Every one of Cardiff City's 17 summer signings rated as star a clear standout and jury out on others

Cardiff City's summer turnover of players this summer was much needed.

The squad had gone stale and the football was not going to get City out of this division any time soon. Thankfully, the style of play has changed drastically and the vast majority of signings have bedded in nicely.

So, with 10 games in all competitions now under our belts, we take a closer look at the 17 players who have come through the door and give them a grading as to how they have got on. Take a look below...

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Grade A+

Callum O'Dowda - The standout summer signing so far. The Bluebirds missed him massively in the two and a half games he was absent for. He came straight back into the side against Middlesbrough on Tuesday and scored within minutes. Two goals and two assists in seven games, not too shabby.

Cedric Kipre - Another who has been a top performer and has had to shoulder his fair share of the defensive burden. Sides have targeted Cardiff with balls into the box and he has been the only player capable of clearing their lines, owing to his stature. Been really impressive, on the whole.

Jamilu Collins - Was probably City's best player until that horrible ACL injury, which will keep him out for the season. Man of the match in his first outing and looked a cut above in his first three games, both defensively and in attack. As Steve Morison said, they'll have one hell of a left-back next season, we know that.

Grade A

Mahlon Romeo - The Millwall game was probably the only blot on his copybook, and perhaps understandably given the torrent of abuse he received. Going forward he has looked really bright and confident, he adds a lot down that right flank. Defensively has been sound, too.

Jack Simpson - Has been pretty faultless in his three appearances. It was a signing that went under the radar, because fans were pleading for a striker to be signed, but looks a good bit of business as things stand. Was excellent against Boro, producing a late, match-winning block.

Ryan Allsop - His style of play is not for the faint-hearted, but he has really brought a new dimension to Cardiff's game. Their silky play often starts at the back with him and so far it has worked. Rarely flustered and has made some decent saves, too.

Callum Robinson - Obviously it's tough to make concrete assessments after a game and a half, but he couldn't be placed any lower after his two-assist full debut against Boro in midweek. Looked bright after his introduction at Millwall, too. Looks a good capture.

Grade B

Niels Nkounkou - A really positive debut against Preston North End and has looked a gem going forward in the games after that, but defensively he needs to shore up a little bit. Has bags of potential to be a good signing for this team, though.

Romaine Sawyers - An up-and-down start to life in the blue shirt. Has looked really classy and pulled strings when City have dominated, but can sometimes get lost or be ineffective when their backs are up against the wall a little. But he has scored two cracking goals. Picking the right occasions for him will be key.

Andy Rinomhota - Has done a lot of the dogged, defensive work. He covers so much ground during the game and plays an important role for Morison. Unspectacular, but solid so far.

Sheyi Ojo - His start to his second spell at Cardiff is reminiscent of his first. Has games or moments when he looks a world-beater and then there are other times he can be frustrating. Can produce that spark of magic, though. Was immense against West Brom.

Jaden Philogene - Similarly to Ojo, he can look top-drawer or he can run down blind alleys or choose the wrong option. Was the best player against Portsmouth and was very good against Birmingham City, who he scored against. Need to see more of those sort of performances going forward.

Grade C

Jak Alnwick - Only here because he has played one game and conceded three goals, none of which were his fault, against Pompey. Looked tidy enough in pre-season and an able deputy to Allsop. Will have to bide his time a little.

Ollie Tanner - Another who played only that one game in the Carabao Cup and he just looked like he was trying too hard to impress. Morison has done the right thing and taken him out of the firing line, allowing him to adjust to the rigours and demands of Championship football. Talented kid.

Vontae Daley-Campbell - Another sole appearance in the Pompey loss. Looked sharp at times on the right-hand side but was sent off in the 89th minute following a nasty tackle. One who has a lot to learn but there's something there.

Ebou Adams - This guy will prove to be a good signing for Cardiff, everyone who has seen him play is sure of it. Incredibly unfortunate to rip his pectoral muscle off the bone in his first friendly outing at the start of the summer. Looking forward to seeing him play.

Kion Etete - Had just the four substitute appearances and on the little evidence we have so far, there is still room for him to improve. Never played at this level before, though, so there will be some adjustment time needed.

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