Benik Afobe underlines why he has so often spearheaded the Millwall attack

Gary Rowett felt Benik Afobe underlined why he is such a regular starter in his Millwall side after scoring in today’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City.

The forward, who finished with 13 goals in all competitions last season, had been taken out of the starting line-up for Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Burnley and the visit of the Bluebirds this weekend.

But Afobe came on and showed fine composure to open his account for the season in the 90th minute.

The former Arsenal, Stoke and Wolves frontman is the first striker to score for Rowett’s side in the 2022-23 campaign.

“I just want us to win games – how we win games, I do not care,” said Rowett. “I believe our strikers will score goals and get on the end of things.

“Benik has got that star quality when he gets in and around the goal. That’s why he usually starts most of the games for us. He did the same last year, started a little bit slowly. Today he came on with the bit between his teeth. He won headers, held the ball for us – he looked like that real number nine you want to see

“When he gets into those areas he’s got that little bit of ability to beat people and dink it over the oncoming defender and keeper. It was a great finish.

“We had lots of good attacking play today, that’s probably the best we’ve attacked. We had a lot of shots on target. I’m actually a bit disappointed we’ve only scored two goals.

“Any striker wants to score goals and plays with a little bit less weight on their shoulders when they score – it’s par for the course. He’s a really confident lad anyway – I don’t think he ever doubts himself and always shows belief. He’s been doing it for years. I’ve certainly got massive belief in him as a character and as a player. But you need that to translate into goals. Any striker wants goals and now Vogey needs to get on the scoresheet, he’s been doing really well. Zian will get on the scoresheet at some point. Bradders and Tyler – we’ve got good options.”