Cardiff City have announced their fourth signing of the summer in Jamilu Collins.
Having played most recently in the German second tier, Bluebirds fans could be forgiven for not knowing a great deal about the 25-cap Nigeria international. Not to fear, we have sought insight from someone who knows him better than most.
Collins spent the last five seasons at SC Paderborn, playing in the top three divisions of the German football pyramid. Fortunately, we spoke to MATIAS BENGOLO, a Leeds-born SC Paderborn fan with German ancestry. He has followed the west German club closely for the last six years and runs the unofficial SC Paderborn - English Twitter fan account.
Here is what Matias had to say about City's newest recruit...
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Q. What sort of player is Jamilu Collins?
Jamilu is a left-back who is, mostly, extremely reliable. He can have his moments, as I’ll explain later on, but he is a left-back who can be relied upon. What I can guarantee to Cardiff City fans is he’ll give maximum effort for the shirt, every match.
Q. What are his biggest strengths and does he have any weaknesses?
Collins is a fantastic tackler, he’s always been up there in terms of tackle-success rate for Paderborn. He is great in one-v-one situations and even in the Bundesliga teams didn’t attack down his side because they knew he’s our best one-v-one defender. He can dribble well, and his passing out of the dribble is superb, but can definitely be improved. One part of Jamilu’s game that he’s struggled to build on is his discipline. He often receives a yellow card, and was team-high in red cards (albeit only one sending off) in the Bundesliga season. He also (rarely) lacks concentration and gives away cheap penalties.
Q. How have his five seasons gone at SC Paderborn? Was he liked by fans and a regular starter?
I spoke to an old Paderborn fan who has seen many left-backs in his time and he told me Collins was one of the best we’ve ever had. His five seasons have been very strong and I think three or four of the five managers in that time had him as first-choice in his position. He was a very likeable figure as he put his all into matches and rarely made mistakes, which is all we can ask for.
Q. He was part of a double-promotion winning side, how big a part did he play in those promotions? And did he hold his own in the Bundesliga?
In the third league promotion he didn’t play that much, but still contributed. This is just my opinion but I think the 2018/19 (promotion to the Bundesliga) season was his best. He, like many Paderborn players, just had unlimited confidence after promotion. It’s important to use context here, and the season before the 3. Liga promotion, Paderborn should’ve been relegated to the regional leagues. Instead, we were saved by 1860 Munich not being able to obtain a licence, so Paderborn got lucky. Then to be promoted the season after, scoring close to 100 goals, confidence just oozed into the next season and Jamilu was incredible. It was tough for him in the Bundesliga, because at the end of the day the majority of the players in that team were 2. Bundesliga level at best. Collins was a shining light in that top-flight team, though. I’m sure Cardiff fans have seen a clip of his goal against Bayern Munich, but that’s just Jamilu all over. He just has a go, with all the confidence in the world.
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Q. Why did the club decide to let his contract run down? Is there a reason behind his exit?
I think this was more of a mutual departure on both sides. Covid-19 hit and then Paderborn were relegated, so the bosses at the club are taking a more calm approach and building a good side, because the team that we had in the Bundesliga had no chance. Collins was fighting for a seat to Qatar with Nigeria, but of course they have now not qualified. That would’ve been a factor in all this. His age, too. I think his departure was decided a while ago. Collins put his heart and soul into this club and now his dream to play in an English league is fulfilled.
Q. Should Cardiff fans be excited about his signing? If so, why?
One hundred percent. I’ve spoken to Jamilu many times and he’s just a really nice guy, with a big heart on the pitch. It won’t take him long to get used to the physicality of the Championship and he can breeze through the 46 games physically. You can expect a very good defender, who can dribble and pass well. He is a fantastic character that Cardiff City fans will love and enjoy watching him play. He isn’t a Nigeria international for nothing. Best of luck with Collins, take care of him for us!
