Hull city’s newest striker Tom Eaves was in lead of the line for the Tigers during their 2-2 draw while playing against Mansfield Town. The 27-year-old player is among four summer signings that have recently arrived at the KCOM Stadium so far this summer, and is the only member of the incoming quartet that will be starting for Grant McCann’s side for the One Call Stadium.
Along with him, Ryan Tafazolli and Josh Bowler, who are the latest two of four arrivals, saw some play time as second half substitutes for their first appearance with the Tigers, while Matt Ingram was not able to play as a substitute.
Tom Eaves
It proved an important day for the new striker as more than 300 fans came out to watch him play in Mansfield Town. He first made waves earlier in the week while playing against Grimsby Town during a training ground friendly. Until some weeks ago, Eaves had been a free agent, and his pre-season preparations were moved forward and were able to show off some of his on-field skills. With his former club, Eaves was given the chance to show his range with the types of goals that he was able to score, and he proved to have enough presence on the field to make him a fan favourite.
He played similar while competing against the Stags, and while his match sharpness was a bit lacking, he was able to hold the ball up for most of the game. The player will now put most of his focus into improving his fitness, and could become part of a front consisting of Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosikci that would give the team a good shot for the upcoming Championship campaign, and should be a welcomed addition in the online esports betting side of things.
Josh Bowler
Bowler had arrived at East Yorkshire on loan from Everton, and the winger was immediately thrown into the game for the final 15 minutes, and despite only playing for a brief amount of time, it gave onlookers enough to see what the player’s capabilities are.
He was featured on the left of the front three, and in his short runs, it was made clear that his play style was similar to that of academy winger Daniel James, who recently departed from Swansea City for Manchester united in a switch that saw the contract completed for 15 million pounds.
Ryan Tafazolli
Tafazolli was given the chance to play for his first official appearance after Reece Burke was removed from the field following a knee injury. The 27 year old didn’t get too involved against his former side of Mansfield, likely down to the lateness of his joining of the game, but the player has been a key player in the team’s other three friendly games that have taken place this month.
He is expected to provide plenty of healthy competition for Jordy de Wijs and Burke this season, and will start sometimes soon to give Burke some breathing room as he recovers from his injury.