Birmingham City have got off to a superb start to the 2023/24 season, earning an EFL Championship top-six spot after 11 fixtures. Things have been shaken up despite the promising results, however, with head coach John Eustace out of the door and Wayne Rooney a new face in the dugout.
There were a total of 12 signings in the summer transfer window –with £6 million spent – to give the club a proper overhaul under new ownership. Some of the fresh additions have made better impressions than others. The same can be said with the rest of the squad, with the congested fixture schedule pushing players to the limits.
With the October international break giving fans and the media alike time to reflect on the start of the season, we’ve sat down and rated individual players out of 10. Click through the pages for a brief analysis of the 28 individual Birmingham men to have featured so far this campaign.
1. Neil Etheridge - 6
One of the best professionals around, the backup goalkeeper has only played just twice this term. Had a decent game in a 2-0 win at Cheltenham Town but then conceded three as Cardiff City dumped Blues out of the Carabao Cup.
2. John Ruddy - 8
Has been vital to Birmingham maintaining one of the best defensive records in the Championship. Only Leicester City (6) have conceded fewer than Blues (11), with the consistent Ruddy making some huge saves to see out results. Leads from the back very well too.
3. Ethan Laird - 8
Perhaps controversial to give the new signing an eight considering he’s played just three times, but he was outstanding before his injury. The former Manchester United man looks like one of the best right-backs in the Championship from early signs, especially going forward.
4. Cody Drameh - 7
Doesn’t exactly look too far behind Laird so far and is probably the best backup right-back in the division. Has two assists to his name from the wins against Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion. Only not achieving an eight due to two shaky displays against Preston North End and Norwich City.