Earlier today, our very own Ryan Whelan exclusively announced that Swindon is set to sign free-agent defender Adrian Mariappa. With 65 international caps and plenty of experience in the Premier League, let’s take a look at what Mariappa will bring to the Robins for the rest of the season.
The 36-year-old is set to sign a short term till the end of the season as he looks to get Jody Morris’s men back into a playoff race.
Swindon has been in the market for a central defender with a lack of depth in their defensive line, and the recent injuries to Frazer Blake-Tracy and Ciaran Brennan seem to have accelerated the move.
Since Clem Morfuni’s takeover as owner, Swindon have regularly recruited younger players, however, Mariappa will bring some needed experience with his 18-year playing career. The Jamaican has 168 Premier League appearances with Watford, Reading and Crystal Palace.
Now Mariappa will be making his way to the West Country and if fit, could be thrown straight into the action.
Position
If we look at Mariappa’s recent appearances with Burton and A-League side Macarthur FC, he has played in all three centre-back spots in a back-three, but typically will be in the middle or right of the three.
Centre-back has been the defender’s most regular position throughout his career, but towards the end of his spell at Watford, he did see time at right-back. At the age of 36 now though, it would be hard to imagine him being preferred on the right of a back-four, especially with the emergence of Remaeo Hutton as well.
As for Swindon, since Morris’s arrival, they have switched between a back-three and four. With the new manager still trying to find a formation that suits the players that are available. However recent injuries have prevented a continuation of a back 3/5, with a switch to a 4-3-3 in their last two victories.
For the time being, we can’t quite know what formation Swindon will continue with, though Mariappa brings the versatility to play in either a 4 or a 3/5.
Leadership
As mentioned, bringing in young talent has been one of Swindon’s priorities and their most recent starting XI had an average age of 24.5 years old. Including Mariappa will of course bring that average up, but partnering his experience with the young potential of the players around him could be a good recipe.
Swindon has lacked an experienced man at the back since Angus MacDonald’s departure in January and Mariappa should come in and take up that role.
Mariappa was vice-captain during his time in North London and with a leader up top in Charlie Austin, Williams in midfield and hopefully Mariappa can have the same influence on players in defence.
Recent Performances
Mariappa brings a great CV with Premier League and Copa America experience, but with him on the back end of his career now, Swindon need to know who they are getting at this current moment with an immediate impact of the utmost importance.
Adrian made eight appearances for the Brewers this season until he was released this January. In those games, he started all eight and even managed to pick up a goal. If we look at Sofascore who grades players’ performances out of 10, Mariappa averaged a 6.76 rating during his time at Burton.
Writer’s View
Centre-back has been a position of must-need for Swindon, and Mariappa will definitely be impactful.
Similar to Austin, he will come in and bring the experience of heights that no other player in the squad can match. With his age and recent spell with Burton, I have some doubts he will be a major contribution on the pitch, however off the pitch I think he will improve the players around him and be a great player people can pick the brain of.
Overall for a free agent signing Mariappa is solid, and whether it’s in a back-three or four, I’m excited to see what he can do partnered with Tom Clayton and Blake-Tracy once he returns.
Seems a sound decision, we have been lacking an experienced defensive bod for a while. Let’s hope he slots in well and imparts some of his knowledge.