Analysis: Western Sydney Wanderers need more creativity in midfield

The Wanderers used to have a flare problem – now it’s a different spelling of the word that must surely exercise coach Markus Babbel as his side plays out the remnants of another desperately disappointing season.

• Breathless derby ends in stalemate

The Wanderers used to have a flare problem – now it’s a different spelling of the word that must surely exercise coach Markus Babbel as his side plays out the remnants of another desperately disappointing season.

His team has problems in defence, judging by 50 goals conceded, and will probably need a new striker assuming Oriol Riera moves on.

But most of all the 21st derby showed up the creative void that is the major reason why the Wanderers won’t be contenders until its filled.

Alex Baumjohann arrived at the start of the season as the would-be playmaker Western Sydney craved, but cameos of creativity have fizzled out to almost nothing.

If that seems harsh on a player whose freekick brought his side level in the derby, and ultimately earned them a point, then really the goal just highlighted the frustration with a player who drifts too easily out of games and now seems to be drifting out of the club.

German midfielder Alexander Baumjohann hasn’t had the consistent impact the Wanderers were hoping for. Picture: AAP

His undoubted ability with setpieces is not in isolation enough of a return for a player of his technique. Injuries have hampered him undoubtedly, and seem to have eaten away at his confidence in recent weeks.

Babbel’s January signings added width, drive and pace to his side, but not the priceless ability to pick the lock of a well-structured defence.

Compare that with the enduring ability that Milos Ninkovic has to find space in a vacuum. In his fourth season at Sydney, the Serbian’s influence is now more bass player than lead guitar but the rhythm remains flawless.

With the drop of a shoulder – his absolute trademark – Ninkovic sent Keanu Baccus running deep into a neighbouring suburb, and his eye for the slide-rule pass remains acute.

Milos Ninkovic is still producing quality for Sydney FC. Picture: AAP

The fact Sydney coach Steve Corica could bring a playmaker like Siem de Jong off the bench, moments before Baumjohann exited the fray, told part of the story of why Sydney have sustained their title aspirations again this season.

De Jong’s season has also been one of cameos but as part of Sydney’s arsenal he has found enough moments of quality.

In the end the draw gave Western Sydney the parochial satisfaction of almost killing off their rivals’ hopes of retaining the Premier’s Plate, but it was a meagre return.

The Sky Blues, meanwhile, have a date with the team about to usurp them, Perth Glory, on Thursday – and that will test their creativity to the max.