Cian Ashford

Ashford progressed through Cardiff's academy and made an immediate mark once given senior minutes. He scored a dramatic late winner from distance early in his senior career, the kind of moment that gets remembered long after quieter performances are forgotten. He plays with real confidence in front of goal, willing to shoot from range rather than always looking for the extra pass. That same instinct followed him into international football, where he equalised almost immediately after coming off the bench for Wales.

The question with any young forward who breaks through via a spectacular moment is whether the underlying game matches that highlight. Consistent goal scoring requires more than an occasional flash of brilliance from distance. Cardiff clearly see enough in his all round game to keep extending his contract, and whether he can turn regular senior involvement into a settled run of matches is the next step.