How MLS side St Louis City have fared without Njabulo Blom
Njabulo Blom’s start to life in the MLS hasn’t been what he might have hoped, with the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder spending more time on the sidelines.
Blom was signed by the MLS extension team in December last year from Chiefs but has hardly been able to contribute for his new side.
He was identified as the ideal player to stabilise St Louis’ midfield as they embarked on their debut campaign this season in the MSL.
And coach Bradley Carnell, who was well aware of the Bafana Bafana midfielder’s quality, was hoping he could fit like a glove.
NJABULO BLOM’S TOUGH START TO LIFE IN MLS
The 23-year-old, though, has struggled to stay on the pitch long enough to make any meaningful contribution for his new side.
Blom arrived late in the United States of America [USA] because of his paperwork, which meant he missed his side’s first few matches.
And when he finally got to make his debut, he looked right at home in St Louis’ midfield as he produced an assured performance.
But his bright start was then hindered by injuries which have since seen him miss the majority of his team matches of late.
Blom has only made five appearances for St Louis this season and has been forced to sit out the last three matches due to a groin injury.
His absence, however, hasn’t been felt by Carnell’s side who are yet to lose a match since Blom was forced off in their 3-0 loss to Seattle Saunders last month.
HOW ST LOUIS HAVE FARED IN BLOM’S ABSENCE
In fact, St Louis have since broken what had been a troubling two match losing run and appear to be back on track in the Eastern Conference.
Carnell’s men have scored a whopping 11 goals in their last three matches in all competitions and it appears Blom will have to fight to earn his place back.
The likes of Aziel Jackson and Akil Watts have proven more than capable replacements and have offered Carnell what he had hoped for in Blom’s absence.
“We don’t even have to improvise. I think those guys can add contribution and value,” Carnell told St Louis Post-Dispatch.
“We feel we’re pretty deep in there, which is fine. I think we’ll be alright.”
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