Cardiff City's pre-season campaign is well and truly up and running.
While pre-season games must be taken with a pinch of salt as new signings bed in, systems and formations are honed and players generally work themselves up to full speed, supporters still revel in seeing fresh faces and shiny new kits every season.
Well, Saturday was the first opportunity for City fans to do just that, whether in person at Cardiff International Sports Stadium in Leckwith or via the club's live web stream. Steve Morison's side ran out eventual winners, with James Collins, Max Watters and Joel Bagan all finding the back of the net in the 3-2 win over the U's. Cobwebs dusted off, minutes in legs, just what it's all about.
READ MORE: Bluebirds open pre-season campaign with win amid injury fears over new signing
It's only natural, though, that supporters pick out their standout performers, even from these pre-season friendly fixtures.
Seven of Cardiff's 10 new signings were given a runout in some form against the League One side, but it has become fairly apparent that two, in particular, stood out above all others.
Midfielder Andy Rinomhota has been the name buzzing around Cardiff City social media pages. The 25-year-old who joined on a three-year deal from Reading put in an assured first performance in the middle of the park, playing the first 45 minutes of the game.
Fans were clearly impressed with what they saw from the midfielder, who appeared to cover every blade of grass on the pitch. Steve Morison, too, was equally as effusive in his praise.
"I thought he was excellent," Morison said after the match. "I think you could see his quality. I think we've added some good players. Everyone adds something to the group and that's the main thing."
Another raw talent who grabbed the eye was Ollie Tanner, the 20-year-old winger who was signed from Non-League Lewes FC over the summer. While Morison was more reserved in his appraisal of the youngster, which you can read about here, it's clear that fans were buoyed by the newbie's performance in Leckwith.
While a number of other players also earned praise from supporters, Max Watters, Joel Colwill, Tom Sang, James Collins and Joel Bagan among them, it was clear that both Rinomhota and Tanner were the new duo who really excited City fans.
Bluebirdsgossip wrote: "Tanner looks quality - just needs to work on end product, Rino looks complete mid(fielder) he'll be fans fav(ourite), Joel Collwill impressed when he came on, 2 new strikers a must though, Watters looked ok."
Elliott wrote: "Tanner is quick and direct, needs end product. Joel Colwill impressive as sub. Rinomhota was everywhere. (Jamilu) Collins + (Mahlon) Romeo both comfortable going up and down."
Noah said: "Really hope Sang and Joel Colwill get opportunities, both looked really bright. Also can see why Tanner is rated so highly. Rinomhota looks exactly like what we’ve been missing."
James McKellar added: "Joel Colwill looked very promising when on the pitch, Rino was a class above and dominated the pitch. Watters was quite good (not just at finishing) and (James) Collins should never be allowed to leave before we sign a couple of strikers! (Curtis) Nelson looked shaky if I was to find a negative."
Welshwiz weighed in with: "Midfield all played well with the pressing game. Defence centrally weak to crosses and pace as per last season. Attack weak apart from promise of Tanner. Goalkeeping ok. So obvious central defender and attackers urgent requirement."
Mike Hancock tweeted: "We’re all going to really like Tanner. Shape in the first half was good. Build up to Bagan’s goal was sublime."
Sloper Road Blues wrote: "Tanner outstanding, midfield in the second half outstanding, Rino outstanding, Watters fits the new system well, Daley-Campbell didn’t excite me, 433 formation, Sang in CM is his position."
Tim Wegener said: "Rino looks excellent. Going to be some real competition in the middle next season, also thought (Eli) King did well. (Ebou) Adams went off holding his shoulder. Tanner, Bagan, Jamilu Collins & Watters lively. Defence looked shaky though."
Ieuan Walker penned his thoughts, writing: "Tanner outstanding, Tom Sang deserves a chance again he was brilliant, just an all round decent performance, midfield looks stacked which is really good to see a lot of competition there this season something we've been missing."
CCFC Fans wrote on Twitter: "Two second half goals were excellent - great build-up play and made by Academy boys. Rino, Tanner, Watters just to name a few standouts."
Mark Riley said: "Rino, J. Colwill, J. Collins, Watters, Sang, Bagan looked good. Tanner, raw but exciting, always looking to attack. Romeo looked good going forward. Downsides: Whyte & (James) Collins (despite his goal). Played 4 at the back.. was a bit 'meh'."
BluebirdsChat wrote: "Joel Colwill and Eli King were both excellent, will be interesting to see how they develop this season. Rino stood out. Tanner has bags of potential. (Perry) Ng had a good game and is comfortable on the ball. Their new signing Saikou Janneh caused us a few problems."
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