Unsung Cardiff City star is finally coming of age and his future lies in new position
"I know they say I don't pick the young lads," Neil Warnock said on his way out of what would be his final press conference as Cardiff City manager, "but I've got one coming through, he's the real deal, him."
That conversation back in 2019 was about a then-18-year-old left-back Joel Bagan. Ever since that passing comment, and it was really nothing more than that, I've tracked Bagan's trajectory keenly.
It's been a rocky road to here, it must be said. Two loan spells away, injuries at the absolute worst time, plus competition from Joe Bennett, the impressive Ryan Giles and Nigeria international Jamilu Collins. One thing never changed, though, every manager — from Neil Harris to Sabri Lamouchi via Steve Morison — really, and publicly, backed and believed in him.
Now, at 23, he finally appears to be coming of age and has settled into life as a Championship defender. He typically skirts under the radar; supporters are rarely up in arms when he's taken out of the side but they never moan when they see his name in the starting XI, either. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Because the bare facts are that there is very little about him that is remarkable. If he was three inches taller, stacked with more muscle and lightning quick, he'd be a Premier League defender, because the way he plays the game in his head and the technique he has is vastly underrated.
Cardiff have searched high and low for a left-footed centre-half. They were furious when they missed out on Auston Trusty, who went to Birmingham City over them, back in 2022. Jack Simpson, meanwhile, turned out to be one of the club's biggest flops in recent memory.
Bagan has generally played his football at left-back for Cardiff, but the game seems to be moving in such a direction that maybe that isn't his calling anymore. The modern game seems to suit left midfielders or wingers dropping back into that position, like Alfie Doughty or Callum O'Dowda in recent years.
The former Republic of Ireland youth international has subsequently been moved into a centre-back role and has been dependable whenever called upon. When you find yourself in a battle at the bottom of the table that's exactly what you want – dependability.
Because neither Jesper Daland nor Will Fish have really grabbed their opportunities when afforded them to partner Dimitrios Goutas. Calum Chambers has now moved into midfield, so Bagan might just have a run of it at centre-back and his game could complement the big Greek alongside him.
Cardiff are losing some aerial prowess with Bagan in there, of course, but other aspects of his game would likely make up for such a shortcoming. Cardiff always wanted him to up his physicality and his aggression, and at 23 he finally seems comfortable in his own skin. Is the long-term future for him at centre-back? We will likely find out if he carries on the way he did when given the nod against Bristol City at the weekend.
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He would likely be more of out of the Ben Davies — of Wales and Tottenham — mould than an Aden Flint-type enforcer, of course! Bagan has a wonderful left foot, can pick a pass out down the line and can hit lovely, pinpoint diagonals to switch the play. Plus, if he's at centre-back, he is less likely to take throw-ins, which is one his perhaps trivial weaknesses.
Other options at centre-half just haven't worked out. The blend is not right and that natural Goutas-McGuinness partnership of last season, which felt so natural for the first half of the year, has been hard to come by.
Left of a back three is probably Bagan's ideal position and, who knows, perhaps a scenario in the not-so-distant future would see him fulfil that role, but right now he looks Cardiff's best bet as a left centre-back.
Under an appreciation post from the club's social media account at the weekend, fans flocked to heap praise on the defender.
"So underrated," said Mart-CCFC Development Fan on X. "When I saw him pre season as a CB thought he looked the business. Left- footed centre-backs are worth their weight in gold. So composed, excellent distribution and now has the physicality required. Delighted for you Joel."
Savigma added: "Worked himself into a starting CB position now. Hopefully he doesn’t look back now. Very consistent, gives the team some much-needed stability in defence."
Ffwlpelt said: "Was composed and dealt with the physical threat of (Sinclair) Armstrong impeccably. Been on the periphery of our starting line-up, no longer in my opinion. Will only get better with added confidence."
Richard CCFC wrote: "He is pure class and we're lucky to have such a talented humble young man." While Matt said: "Barely put a foot wrong all season across various positions, my LCB though."
Kyle weighed in by saying: "Certified Baller. Good to see him getting the proper chances he deserves." Steve Davies, meanwhile, wrote: "He's becoming the player we always knew he could be, well played Joel."
Lawrie Murphy said: "Brilliant player with a bright future at Cardiff." And Sue Lesley said: "I love the way he always looks so calm. A great player for us."
Perhaps that unheralded defender is now getting the praise he deserves.
