Milwall supporters will be delighted by post-Zian Flemming evidence: View | OneFootball

The Lions would've thought they'd made a critical error in letting Flemming go, but after a 3-0 win versus Sheffield Wednesday, it may not be so bad

Before the start of the season, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Millwall may struggle without the attacking prowess of Zian Flemming, but the first few weeks of the 2024-25 season has showed that the Lions should do just fine without the Dutchman.

Flemming made the move to Turf Moor on deadline day, with a season-long loan and obligation to buy next summer for the 26-year-old. The Clarets are set to pay more than £7 million in 2025 for the attacking midfielder, according to Richard Cawley of the South London Press.

The Lions hierarchy were probably thinking the worst earlier in the year when Flemming revealed he'd be open to an exit, and that ended up happening in the dying stages of the transfer window.

However, following a comfortable 3-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday, the signs are looking good for the post-Flemming era.

Millwall fans will be happy by attacking performances since Zian Flemming last featured

Millwall have relied on Flemming to not only being their creative spark but also, providing a clinical finisher in front of goal, with 31 goal contributions during his time in London backing that up.

Last Saturday's resounding success over Sheffield Wednesday though showed that all hope is not lost for this season, with multiple attacking players getting on the scoresheet and setting up goals.

Duncan Watmore has been a man on fire since the new campaign started, as he added to his goal tally to make it four in four Championship games, already equaling that of his 2023/24 season.

Add to this the creativity of George Honeyman and Romain Esse, the Lions look like a side rejuvenated despite the loss of Flemming. A key acquisition, however, is Josh Coburn, who has arrived on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough.

The young striker scored on debut against Wednesday in the second half, showing what he could bring to Harris' side for the rest of the season.

Millwall's balanced attack could see Neil Harris' side flourish

Millwall were mediocre for much of last season, but a late string of wins saw them finish in 13th position - their 45 goals scored though was the third-lowest in the entire division.

Fast-forward to now, in the early stages of the 2024/25 sesason, the Lions sit joint-third in the scoring charts, which is already a positive step - this is all down to their balance in attack, and it could only get better.

Watmore has been electric so far this campaign. The 30-year-old has yet to unlock his form at The Den, but now in his third season, he has proved to be a nippy winger who has a keen eye for goal.

Esse and Honeyman's creative sparks have also been vital for the Lions. The former has brilliant flair and dribbling, which is similar to that of Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, who also spent time with the Lions' academy. Honeyman, meanwhile, has the fourth most chances created in the Championship so far this season.

All that is left that is needed is a striker with a clinical eye for goal, and whilst Coburn hasn't exactly had much of a chance to be consistent in the Championship, a spell in south London could be the making of the 21-year-old.

Providing this balance hits the ground running, which it looks like it has, there is no reason whyMillwallcan't show a real fight for a play-off place.

Harris has a good structure not only in attack, but a strong spine in Casper De Norre and George Saville, with captain Jake Cooper, and Japhet Tanganga at the back, sprinkling in his Premier League experience.

Every attacking team needs strong squad depth. The Lions have certainly got the back-up required with Femi Azeez and Macaulay Langstaff, who both signed this summer, whilst Tom Bradshaw when fit will provide experience - and let's not forget Serbian teenager Mihailo Ivanovic, who when recovered from a foot injury could be an exciting recruit from Vojvodina.

The loss of Flemming will hurt the Millwall faithful, but their new-look side under Harris is looking promising.