Aberdeen still need to sign another striker before the summer transfer window closes on Thursday.
The Dons’ transfer business this summer has been excellent.
Boss Jim Goodwin and his recruitment team deserve a lot of credit for that.
Goodwin has signed 11 players in the window and I have been impressed by them all.
They all look to have added something to the Dons and I am optimistic about what the new-look team can deliver this season.
If the window were to close today the Dons would be in great shape.
However the icing on the cake would be to sign another striker before the window shuts on September 1.
That would give extra back up to North Macedonian international striker Bojan Miovski.
I have been impressed with Miovski as he makes very good runs into the penalty area.
That box was always my area and people would call me a poacher. I didn’t care.
That was my game and where I scored goals. Miovski is like that.
🇲🇰 9⃣
⚽ A striker's instinct from Bojan for his second goal yesterday. #StandFree | @bojanmiovskii pic.twitter.com/u5U839w0lA
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) August 7, 2022
He is always on the move in the box, holds the ball up well and definitely has an eye for goal.
However Aberdeen still need another striker to provide back up and competition.
Aberdeen suffered a nightmare performance when losing 3-2 to Motherwell and that did dent my confidence a little.
However after seeing off St Johnstone 1-0 I’m upbeat that loss to ‘Well was a blip.
The new signings seem to be gelling with one another which is great to see.
Aberdeen’s defence has been rebuilt and is perhaps still working on finding that strong understanding which is vital.
It is important that defenders have that connection so they know what one another is doing.
The back-line have not been playing together as a unit for long.
However I saw that understanding coming along against St Johnstone.
On-loan Celtic centre-back Liam Scales has particularly impressed me.
Hopefully Aberdeen can make Scales’ move to Pittodrie permanent in the January transfer window.
Scales is forging a strong partnership with fellow centre-back Anthony Stewart.
I have also been impressed with right-back Jayden Richardson who makes powerful, rapid runs down the wing.
Sometimes he can make a run when it is not on and if it breaks down it leaves it open on the right side.
However that is just raw enthusiasm because he is so desperate to do well for Aberdeen.
Richardson has pace, energy and skill and has become an important part of the team.
Another positive signing has been Leighton Clarkson who has rattled in two sensational goals in just three games.
Luis Lopes, Shayden Morris and Callum Roberts, who is unfortunately out injured, have also looked promising since arriving.
Midfielder Ylber Ramadani also leads by example and will be a key player.
Aberdeen are gelling and look like they will only get better.
What I really like is when Aberdeen score, all the players rush to congratulate the scorer.
They are a band of brothers.
We all want to be successful but you cannot do that alone.
To secure success you must play as a team and have that connection.
That is absolutely fundamental to a successful football team.
Aberdeen have also been far more entertaining this season since the summer rebuild.
It is a positive start, aside from the ‘Well setback, and they must keep that going.
Expect Livingston to battle hard
Aberdeen have to deliver three points to the home fans on Saturday after serving up a shocker in the 3-2 loss to Motherwell at Pittodrie.
Dons supporters will have trudged away from Pittodrie dejected after that loss.
Now on the Reds’ return to their home ground they must put a smile on the supporters’ faces again.
It won’t be easy because Livingston will be up for a battle.
Livingston are a tough team to beat and I’m sure Reds boss Jim Goodwin will have his side well warned it will be a difficult game.
Motherwell pushed the Dons around and it is vital that doesn’t happen again.
Aberdeen must be fired up from the very first kick of the match to take control of the game.
They cannot afford to ease themselves into proceedings.
Aberdeen must be aggressive.
They must also be switched on for the entire 90 minutes.
Players cannot afford to let their minds wander for a second.
That can be punished.
If you keep your head in the game for the 90 minutes it pays off.
After the 4-1 defeat of St Mirren I was on a high and believed the Reds were on track for a successful season.
The ‘Well defeat set me back, I really didn’t expect that result or performance.
Aberdeen must prove to their supporters the ‘Well shocker was a one off.
Ross McCrorie vital in midfield role
Aberdeen’s Ross McCrorie is so versatile he can play in midfield, centre-back and full-back roles.
And he impresses in each of them.
However he should primarily be played in midfield.
McCrorie brings so much energy, drive and aggression to midfield it is missed when he drops back to a centre-back role.
As well as a defensive strength in midfield he also brings an attacking threat and can score goals.
His influence in midfield is needed.
Conversation