Birmingham Boss Praises 'One-v-One Specialist' Roberts
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has publicly commended the immediate impact made by summer loan signing Patrick Roberts, highlighting the winger's significant contribution to the team's Championship campaign.
The Blues are preparing to return to action after the international break, following a narrow 2-1 away defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Norwich City, a crucial match as they seek to get back to winning ways.
Currently sitting in 11th place in the league table after 15 games, Birmingham find themselves just four points adrift of the play-off places. This is a promising position for a team freshly promoted from League One alongside Wrexham and Charlton Athletic.
Davies Details Roberts' Key Qualities
Davies, who secured Roberts on loan from Premier League side Sunderland in the previous transfer window, expressed his satisfaction with the player's adaptation. "Pat has done well," Davies stated, according to BirminghamLive. "I've known him a long time, if you can get the ball to him one-v-one he's really hard to stop."
The manager was keen to emphasise that Roberts' success is partly facilitated by the intelligent movement of teammate Tomoki Iwata. He explained that Iwata's dynamic sprints and changes of speed are crucial in creating the space Roberts needs to operate.
Describing Roberts as a "one-v-one specialist," Davies detailed the threat he poses: "He can go both ways. If you do show him the line he will take it and he can pick someone out. He has always been the same and that's his game." Davies also credited full-back Phil Neumann for his role in feeding the ball to the duo, making that flank a consistent problem for opposition defences.
What Does the Future Hold for Roberts?
With his loan deal set to expire at the end of the season, Patrick Roberts is now playing to secure his long-term future. He will be eager to maintain his starting spot in Birmingham's lineup throughout the busy winter period, forcing parent club Sunderland to make a big decision on his career come May.
So far, the 28-year-old former England youth international has made a tangible impact, featuring in 10 league appearances and contributing one goal and two assists. Brought in by Davies to add a different dimension to the attack, the London-born winger, known for cutting inside onto his favoured left foot, has adapted seamlessly to life at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park. His wealth of experience from previous spells at clubs like Fulham, Manchester City, and Celtic is clearly serving him well in the Midlands.