4 observations made from Luton Town's pre-season

As we eagerly await our Premier League debut this weekend, our pre-season friendlies have offered a tantalising glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of our beloved Luton Town squad. Under the watchful eye of Rob Edwards, the team has been meticulously prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, and some intriguing insights have come to light. Join me as we delve into four key points that have captured the attention of passionate Town supporters.

Lockyer And Chong: A Dynamic Duo

Throughout pre-season, two players have consistently shone for Luton Town - central defender Tom Lockyer and the crafty attacking midfielder Tahith Chong. Lockyer's commanding presence at the back has reinvigorated our defence, providing much-needed stability and thwarting opposing attacks. His leadership qualities were on full display, even netting a goal from a brilliant Giles corner against VFL Bochum. Chong, on the other hand, has been a revelation in the attacking department, bringing creativity and innovation to our play. His standout performance against Wolves earned him (in my opinion) the man-of-the-match accolade and raised my expectations for the forthcoming campaign. Undoubtedly, both players will play pivotal roles in our journey this season.

Is Andersen Ready For The Premier League?

Despite positive developments, there are valid concerns surrounding new signing Mads Andersen. While the Danish centre-back has impressed with his defensive prowess, he faced occasional challenges against the pace and agility of some opposition forwards during the Wolves friendly. The question remains: is Andersen truly prepared for the rigours of the Premier League? With Gabe Osho and Reece Burke sidelined due to injuries, the coaching staff must address this issue swiftly, ensuring that Andersen adapts seamlessly to the intensity of English football's top tier.

Giles: A Set-Piece Specialist

Amidst the pre-season thrills, one player has stood out as a source of excitement and wonder – the newly acquired Ryan Giles. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back has showcased exceptional set-piece and crossing skills, providing our team with numerous scoring opportunities. His deliveries from wide areas have added a dynamic edge to Luton's attacking play, leaving fans breathless with admiration. We've long yearned for a set-piece specialist, and Giles fits the bill perfectly. With him in our ranks, expect fireworks in the coming season, especially with the remarkable Tom Lockyer goal standing as a testament to his brilliance.

Ogbene Is Not A RWB

A notable preseason experiment was using new signing and winger Chiedozie Ogbene as a right wing-back (RWB). It is now clear that his abilities lie more in advanced offensive roles than in defensive responsibilities. While Ogbene has exceptional speed and dribbling skills, his defensive positioning and decision-making in the RWB position have not always been the best, albeit this is not his fault. I'm hoping that this experience will assist the coaching staff hone their tactical strategy and more effectively use Ogbene in his more natural attacking role, with cover for RWB coming from somewhere else.

Summary

In conclusion, Luton Town's pre-season has provided valuable insight and excitement into the squad's potential strengths and areas of improvement. Lockyer and Chong have emerged as standout players, promising a bright season ahead. While Andersen's pace has raised concerns, Giles' deliveries have been a revelation, and experimenting with Ogbene as a RWB might not have been successful, but it has provided valuable learnings for the coaching staff.

As the Premier League season approaches kicks off, let’s keep the faith and support the boys, Come On You Hatters!