Hearts of Oak seem to have finally turned a corner. We’ll have to wait a little longer to see if this is actually the real deal or yet another false dawn, but positive steps have definitely been taken since Slavko Matic assumed office.
It was as though that lowest of the low needed to happen before a fresh chapter could begin.
Even just a couple of months on from that, manager Matic already looks like he has the beginnings of a squad that with the right recruitment and additions, will be capable of once more challenging for major silverware in the next couple of years.
With Ghana’s second transfer window opening on 17 January, these are four key positions the Phobians need to strengthen.
Right-Back
While the resurgence of Dennis Korsah and the emergence of Rashid Okine has solidified the left-back position in recent weeks, Hearts still need reinforcements on the other side.
Samuel Inkoom’s patchy fitness record and the imminent departure of Fatawu Mohammed, has left Inkoom as the only right-back in the team. That means even just an injury to Inkoom will leave Hearts too light.
Defensive Midfield
This was a position the Phobians had covered two seasons ago, when Benjamin Afutu Kotey and Abdul Aziz Nurudeen were roaming and mopping up any loose balls and stopping counter-attacks before they started. Sadly, Kotey left and Nurudeen couldn't shake off persistent injuries creating a void in Hearts’ engine room.
Despite having Eric Esso and Glid Otanga have struggled to dominate games. Since the engine room plays a vital role to the success or failure of a club, the addition of another volante who can lift the team when things aren’t going well could propel the club to greater heights.
This is particularly important with Matic’s preference to use systems with a holding midfielder, notably 4-3-3 and 4-3-1-2.
Centre-Back
Another area of weakness for Hearts is undoubtedly at centre half. Konadu Yiadom, Mohammed Alhassan and Robert Addo Sowah look the part on the whole, but too many mistakes - perhaps because they are under the cosh so much - have cost the team dearly this season, contributing heavily to the Phobians’ woes.
It's understandable, then, that rumours surrounding potential centre-back reinforcements continue to circulate especially with Alhassan’s situation with the club in the air.
The door remains open for an injection of quality, and Matic would certainly jump at the chance to sign a top-class central defender.
Striker
Yeah, Hearts have strikeforce issues. If you didn't know that, you haven't watched the Blues since they won the title under Matic.
Kwadwo Obeng Jr, Yassan Ouatching, Junior Kaaba have all failed to deliver in the goods for the Phobians thus far.
Whether it's a much-touted young player or another experienced campaigner, Hearts need a striker who can hold the ball up and allow wide players and attacking midfielders like Seidu Suraj to play what's in front of them.
