Rotherham United player ratings … marks for Matt Taylor's men so far this season

The Advertiser took the chance during the international break to assess how they have fared.

GOALKEEPER

Viktor Johansson

Manager Matt Taylor considers him the best number one in the second tier and he'll get no argument from me on that score. Johansson's shot-stopping is the world-class category, his kicking has improved hugely and he's as brave as they come. The 25-year-old may be slightly built and only 6ft tall but someone in football recruitment once told me: 'Never judge a keeper on their height, judge them on their 'wingspan'.' The Viking's stretch is unbelievable. 11 appearances, rating: 9/10.

DEFENDERS

Dexter Lembikisa

So sprightly and direct in attack, so much to learn in his defence. There's a lovely naivety in the 19-year-old right-back's play that works for and against his team. He'll create plenty but may cost Rotherham a goal or two. He should only get better as his first full season in senior football progresses. 11 apps, 7/10.

Lee Peltier

A huge miss when he was out for nearly two months with calf trouble. Hard and uncompromising, he lets no opponent take liberties and can do it all as a defender. The Scouser was the glue that held the team together in that epic draw at Southampton, and his ability to cover in an injury-ravaged centre-half department is going to be very much needed. Only his lack of games prevents a higher score. Four apps, 6/10.

Cameron Humphreys

Began the season in the same assured form that characterised his first year at the club last term and his ease on the ball will be missed now that he's out injured until 2024. Had added a harder edge to his game and had cut out the odd needless mistake. Eight apps, 7/10.

Tyler Blackett

Like Humphreys, he's needed hamstring surgery and the Millers will feel his loss even more keenly than they will that of his partner at the heart of the backline. A big physical presence who was doing all the ugly stuff required while also offering composure and vision with the ball at his feet. Ten apps, 8/10.

Sean Morrison

He looked off the pace on opening day at Stoke City and hadn't recovered his form by the time a calf issue sidelined him early last month. Two apps, 4/10.

Grant Hall

Another proven performer who has spent too much time in the treatment room. Has been available for only the last two matches and looked understandably rusty. There's no doubt he will get better but, sadly, there is doubt whether can remain fit. Rotherham really need him in the middle of their defence. Two apps, 4/10.

Cohen Bramall

He's not the best when it comes to defending his back post but he's done well in most other areas and that blinding pace of his is something no team enjoy having to handle. Ten apps, 7/10.

Sebastian Revan

He started slowly but, encouragingly, has got better with each game. Five apps, 6/10.

MIDFIELDERS

Ollie Rathbone

Ollie is Ollie: action, attitude, energy, effect. And his standards rarely slip. Shows everything that Millers fans ask for in a player. 11 apps, 8/10.

Christ Tiehi

Rotherham's most complete player. He covers the ground so smoothly, making tackles and right decisions along the way, and rarely wastes a pass. Nine apps, 8/10.

Cafu

Class; the kind of class the Millers haven't really had in the Championship in recent years. So good on the ball, so hard to knock off it. His set-pieces deliveries have been lethal. The Millers will create opportunities when he's on the pitch. A hamstring niggle stalled his momentum. Seven apps, 7/10.

Hakeem Odoffin

He'd bagged two goals before being laid low by hamstring problems. Odoffin offers something in a physical 'stop the opposition' kind of way and comes alive on the edge of the area. That ‘hard and low’ approach to his shooting certainly pays off. Five apps, 6/10.

Sam Clucas

The ability and vision is evident. Get him up to speed and Rotherham have a player on their hands. Six apps, 6/10.

WINGERS

Andre Green

An enigma, He has talent to burn but isn't making the most of it. When things come off, they're a thing of beauty, but too often they don't quite happen. More fire in his belly is required to go with the flair in his feet. Nine apps, 5/10.

Fred Onyedinma

Very, very lively when he's 'on' and also has a real eye for goal. Gets into good positions in the penalty area. Ten apps, 7/10.

Arvin Appiah

The wide man showed nothing in his first three substitute outings then showed real penetration in his next three. He's pushing for his first league start. Six apps, 6/10.

STRIKERS

Jordan Hugill

He’s had good games, has had poor ones. It’s not easy being a lone frontman in a team near the foot of the table. He’s not short of belief or a bit 'naughtiness' and knows how to upset the opposition, which is no bad thing. Two recent worldies up his mark from a six. 11 apps, 7/10.

Sam Nombe

No-one is expecting too much too soon, but we'd all like to see a few signs from the record buy that he's worth the seven-figure fee. Seven apps, 4/10.

Georgie Kelly

Only impact appearances off the bench so far. Affected by injury and hasn't quite got going yet. Five apps, 4/10.

Tom Eaves

Ditto Kelly. Maybe he'll never quite get going in a Millers shirt. It's been a long time now. A goal would do so much to lift him. Five apps, 4/10.

Ciaran McGuckin

The teenager has potential but isn’t yet ready for the Championship. A development loan at a lesser level is likely. Three apps, 5/10.

Josh Kayode

He was given three fleeting cameos before a loan switch to Carlisle United. Three apps, 4/10.

Also used: Ben Wiles (two apps), Tolaji Bola (two apps), Jamie McCart (one app).