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.
5. Marcel Oakley - 6
Did a decent job in his two Carabao Cup performances but has only played a few minutes in the league. It was a surprise that Oakley wasn’t loaned out at the end of the summer transfer window. | Birmingham City Football Club
6. Marc Roberts - 5
Just 23 minutes for the centre-back so far and it’s unlikely he’ll gain many more under Rooney. Definitely a brilliant servant for the club but his time might be up soon. | Getty Images
7. Dion Sanderson - 8
Has taken to the role of captain superbly, building a strong rapport with supporters. Sanderson has been a commanding presence at the back and will play every single Championship fixture this campaign as long as he’s fit. | Getty Images
8. Kevin Long - 8
Has been a wonderful partner to the skipper and has used his experience well to establish dominance in aerial duels. Long is always so brave in challenges and Blues have been delighted with his output, especially given he joined on a free transfer. | Getty Images