As we approach the halfway mark in the season, it is a time for reflection.
For Cardiff City, the beginning of the campaign has been incredibly disappointing, and they head into the new year staring at a relegation battle in 2022.
The football has been dire, at times, but under Steve Morison there have been improvements in recent weeks which offer slight comfort and hope that things can turn around next year.
In order for that to happen, of course, the squad must all be firing in top form, because they have played far below the sum of their parts thus far this term.
Here, across four categories, we look at those who have to show more and the ones who can hold their heads up high despite the team's faltering first half of the season:
4. Must show more in the new year
Sean Morrison – Been dogged by injuries and a lack of form and all that came to a head when he got sent off against Sheffield United. Has set lofty standards for himself over the last few years, though, so write him off at your peril.
Marlon Pack – The sort of player he is, and the style which has now been implemented, he needs to start bossing games. Midfield will play a crucial role moving forward and it's a prime opportunity for Pack to grab the back end of the season by the scruff of the neck.
Joel Bagan – Steve Morison said Bagan was "thrown in at the deep end" a little bit at the start of the season and he was almost certainly right. Insiders really rate him and he has shown glimpses with that left foot. Only 20, he has time, and backers, on his side.
James Collins – He will have wanted a better start to life at Cardiff, no doubt. Supporters admire his incredible work rate and attitude, but he's being paid to put the ball in the back of the net and he has just one goal in 21 outings. He has shown he can do that over the course of his career and will now hope he can kickstart his Bluebirds career.
Ciaron Brown – Defensively has been solid enough when used, but under this new management he will have to adapt his game with the ball at his feet. With his contract up at the end of the year, he will need to show more in the new year.
Leandro Bacuna – The most frustrating aspect of this is that there is a genuinely useful player in there. Struggled a lot in a more advanced role but hopefully can show just what he can offer in midfield in the back half of the season.
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3. Slipping under the radar
Tom Sang – Many supporters were excited to see what Sang would bring this year, but he has struggled with that injury to his big toe. It would be great to see him overcome that problem and really contribute in 2022.
Perry Ng – Has spoken candidly about losing his confidence this season under Mick McCarthy and that was clear to see. But he has started to show signs of enjoying life again in this more attacking system. Back him to recapture his form from earlier in 2021 next year.
Will Vaulks – Another who was frustrated at his diminished role under the old regime. Has actually had some positive games since the change of management, though. Hopefully a sign of things to come moving into the back half of the season.
Dillon Phillips – Had his shot at the start of the season but fell victim to the poor defending in front of him and let in a bucketload of goals as a result. McCarthy felt a change was needed and Alex Smithies has the No. 1 shirt now, but Phillips has hardly been terrible.
Sam Bowen – A player whose influence was starting to go on an upwards curve before a plantar fascia injury. Fans are looking forward to having him back and it will be interesting to see if he can bully his way back into the side again when fit.
Kieron Evans – Really impressed during a late cameo against Fulham and got his just rewards with two starts shortly after. He's been brilliant for the under-23s and hopefully that form will show itself regularly in the first team soon. Has also had injuries.
Mark Harris – A couple of goals to his name but has largely been tasked with impact outings from the bench late on when City have been chasing matches. Will want to bulk up his goals and assists tally in the next few months.
2. Making steady contributions
Alex Smithies – Has not been without fault since coming into the side, but that can be said for most goalkeepers. Has in general been steady enough, but his kicking still sometimes frustrates.
Curtis Nelson – No player has played more minutes for Cardiff this season that Curtis Nelson, proof that managers really trust him. He is prone to the odd error, but also throws his body on the line and makes an uncanny number of blocks.
Rubin Colwill – Consistency will be key for the young playmaker, but in his position that is particularly difficult. Has shone brightly on a number of occasions and is probably City's most exciting attacking player with the ball at his feet. Has a big part to play in 2022.
Isaak Davies – Has shot on to the scene in recent weeks and we are starting to see what the hype was all about. He is lightning quick and offers something a little bit different. Excited to see what he brings in the back half of the campaign.
Kieffer Moore – Just starting to move up the gears a little bit. He is Cardiff's top scorer with five goals and there are signs he could hopefully hit the ground running now. Still so important to the way Cardiff play, even if he hasn't been at his dazzling best at times.
1. Top performers
Aden Flint – Will be a contentious one for some, as he tends to divide opinion, but has been largely brilliant at both ends of the pitch and is a real leader. WhoScored have him as Cardiff's best player this season, averaging seven aerial duels a match with four goals to his name.
Joe Ralls – Has made a marked difference since coming back into the side under Steve Morison. Actually gives the midfield a bit of go-forward and ramps the tempo up. Also tries to make those killer passes which have been missing this season. Has deservedly worn the armband a number of times, too.
Ryan Giles – Possibly Cardiff's most potent attacking outlet. His speed down that left flank is terrifying and his ability to cross while pelting at full pace is admirable. Adds real quality and his defensive work should not go unnoticed, either.
Mark McGuinness – Cardiff's breakthrough player of the season. Looks a real find. Very good defensively, good on the ball and a real presence in both boxes. Has found a little knack of scoring recently, too, which is an added bonus.
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