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.
13. Alfie Chang - 6
Played really well as Blues beat Cheltenham in the cup but then sustained a long-term injury in training. The young midfielder hasn’t played since. | Getty Images
14. Gary Gardner - 6
Scored a stunner off a free-kick in the derby against West Brom and it turned out to be the last goal of the John Eustace era. His minutes have only added up to 37, though, so it’s tough to give him anything more than a six. Will have to settle for a utility role again this season. | Getty Images
15. Ivan Sunjic - 7
Was loaned to Hertha Berlin last term and it was uncertain whether he’d ever have much of an involvement at St Andrew’s again, but the Croat has exceeded all expectations. It’ll be interesting to see if Rooney continues with Sunjic as Bielik’s partner as he certainly deserves it. | Getty Images
16. Brandon Khela - 6
The first British South Asian to play in the Championship, the 18-year-old has been handed a couple of brief appearances as a substitute. Could get more of a look-in when the FA Cup comes around. | Getty Images