Mowbray’s Praise for Cantwell
Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray said he is delighted with captain Todd Cantwell’s early impact after urging him to improve his goal and assist numbers. Mowbray highlighted Cantwell’s quality, noting that the player’s natural ability has never been in question, but his tally of goal contributions had not matched that level.
Mowbray explained that he has been speaking with Cantwell about staying higher up the pitch and closer to goal to boost his goals and assists this year. "If he doesn’t assist and score, it doesn’t matter how good you are with the ball," Mowbray said, adding that the number 10 role in any team requires both.
Cantwell’s Key Contributions
Under Mowbray, Cantwell set up Andri Gudjohnsen’s equaliser at Burton Albion and headed the winner against Middlesbrough. He has taken the advice to heart, producing a brilliant cross and run against Burton and scoring a brilliant goal himself. Mowbray said, "He’s listening, which is really pleasing for me because he is a talented boy."
Mowbray added that Cantwell’s willingness to accept coaching and adjust his positioning has been a positive sign for the club’s attacking output.
Early Season Performance
Rovers have taken four impressive points from two difficult opening fixtures, pleasing Mowbray with their resilience against quality opposition. He said, "I think we’d have taken four points looking at them two fixtures before kicking a ball."
Mowbray also reflected on recent results, noting that Wolves had won 3-1 away at Preston before the Rovers’ first match. He used the example to illustrate the level of performance required to compete.
The manager stressed that the team’s 42 league goals last season must rise to around 70 to be competitive, underlining his focus on greater output from Cantwell and other attacking players.
Looking Ahead
Mowbray concluded that the team showed resilience, block shots and crosses, and that the club’s togetherness and group mentality were strong. He said the team can be very good with the ball and aims to improve as the season progresses.
The Rovers’ early season form, combined with Cantwell’s improved goal involvement, suggests a positive trajectory for the club under Mowbray’s guidance.
