January transfer window signing helped by tactical call by Millwall chief

Alex Neil reckons that his decision to initially field Tristan Crama at right-back has helped the Frenchman to then impressively slide into a central defending role.

The 23-year-old signed from Brentford in the January transfer window.

Crama initially played on the right of the backline due to injuries to Ryan Leonard and Danny McNamara.

But for the last two matches he has performed impressively at centre-back in the 1-0 wins over Sheffield United and Middlesbrough with Japhet Tanganga sidelined with a broken bone in his hand.

Crama has played 16 times for the Lions and also contributed a couple of assists.

“He was brilliant (against Middlesborough),” Lions head coach Neil told the South London Press. “He has been great in the last two games. We haven’t conceded a goal against Middlesbrough or Sheffield United, which speaks volumes about how we have defended.

“The fact that it hasn’t been obvious that Japh has been missing has been a testament to Tristan in itself, with how good Japh has been for us.

“Coming from a different level, this is his first season at the level, playing at right–back has been very helpful for him – because he’s acclimatised himself and that then means slotting back in (at centre-back) isn’t going to be as challenging as it would have been if he went in there cold.

“I had a very similar situation when I had Sepp van den Berg at Preston. I played him at right-back initially, just to get him in the team. When I felt he was ready, we stuck him in at centre-back – and now he is playing in the Premier League.

“It’s quite a useful tool for players who are adaptable and can do both positions. Making an error at right-back, you might get away with it, but nine times out of 10 if you do that at centre-back it’s going to lead to a goal or a great chance.

“He’s done well.”