Midfield trio are ‘heartbeat’ behind Hull City’s transformation

Quite obviously, the fact that they’ve won more matches (15) than everyone else in the division bar second-placed Lincoln City (also 15) is the key statistic, but with 41 goals to their name, the Tigers are also the third tier’s most prolific outfit.

At the other end of the field, they’ve kept a greater number of clean-sheets (12) than any of their rivals have managed this term.

On an individual level, nine league goals from Mallik Wilks, eight from Josh Magennis and nine George Honeyman assists have certainly helped.

But, if one looks beyond pure statistical analysis, the standout component of this City side is undoubtedly it’s midfield three – Honeyman, Richie Smallwood and Greg Docherty.

Going forwards, Hull always carry a genuine threat but are too often wasteful in front of goal. Defensively they have looked resolute and organised in the majority of games, though they have still conceded too many soft goals.

In the centre of the park there has however been more consistency in terms of the level of performance delivered.

And, the impact this energetic trio have had in transforming the Tigers from Championship whipping boys to League One title contenders has most certainly not gone unnoticed by Grant McCann.

“The three of them are phenomenal in terms of what they do for the team. It gives others the opportunity to go and create and score goals, helps the defenders defend and keep clean-sheets,” City’s head coach said.

“Anyone’s midfield in any league or division is the heartbeat of a team. If you have the fundamentals and the balance right in there, then you’re on to good performances and good results in a lot of games - and I think we’ve seen that this season.

“We’ve seen those three set everything for us, the way they go forward, the way they defend, they control the press, they get people into position, they communicate well.

“When I talk about 12-13km in a game, they [Honeyman and Docherty] are covering a serious amount of sprint distance and high intensity runs, it’s not just plodding for 12-13km.

“Their statistics are phenomenal week in, week out, with the skipper, Richie Smallwood, covering 11-12km as well.

“They’ve been first-class all season, we just need them to continue to be first-class for the next 21 games.”

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