Birmingham City's Tactical Evolution Creates Right-Back Conundrum
Birmingham City's squad is set to receive a significant boost with the impending return of two key right-backs, but manager Chris Davies' tactical evolution has fundamentally changed what is expected from the position. Both Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ethan Laird are nearing full fitness, yet they face the formidable challenge of displacing Tomoki Iwata, whose unconventional interpretation of the role has become integral to Blues' system.
The Iwata Effect: A New Blueprint for Right-Backs
The tactical shift became evident during Birmingham City's recent goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion. For the first time this Championship season, Tomoki Iwata – the midfield maestro who has occupied the right-back slot since early October – did not start a match for which he was available. His absence highlighted just how much the system has adapted around his unique skill set.
Iwata's approach represents a complete departure from traditional right-back duties. Rather than holding width on the flank, he frequently underlaps the winger and operates in interior spaces, occasionally drifting into midfield or even advancing beyond the centre-forward. This freedom in possession has created a new tactical dimension that Davies has come to rely upon.
Returning Contenders Face Uphill Battle
Bright Osayi-Samuel was drafted into the starting lineup against West Brom, demonstrating his athleticism and ball-carrying abilities. However, his performance underscored the difficulty of replicating Iwata's specific contributions. The Nigeria international recently returned from a successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign where he played 546 minutes in just three weeks, compared to only 187 minutes for Birmingham in the three months prior to the tournament.
"I feel like I'm a very different player from when I first signed," Osayi-Samuel told BirminghamLive. "In AFCON I played two 120 minutes, so I've had more minutes and I feel more confident. I'm fitter. My fitness is different. I feel stronger, I feel that I can run longer. Now it's about keeping that momentum."
Ethan Laird presents another option as he nears return from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for five months. The defender made the right-back position his own during Birmingham's League One title-winning campaign, describing the role under Davies' initial system as being 'like doing three jobs all at once' – holding width, making disruptive runs, and recovering defensively.
Tactical Foundations Have Shifted
The evolution of Birmingham's right-back role traces back to necessity. When both Osayi-Samuel and Laird were injured in early October, Davies turned to Iwata out of positional need. What emerged was a tactical innovation that has since become foundational to Birmingham's approach.
This shift is further reinforced by the characteristics of Birmingham's current right-wing options. Both Patrick Roberts and Carlos Vicente prefer to maintain width, with Roberts particularly effective when collecting the ball wide before delivering crosses or reverse passes – as demonstrated by his assists for Lewis Koumas against Coventry City.
Osayi-Samuel's profile shares similarities with Laird's, having been converted from winger to full-back during his time at Fenerbahce under Vitor Pereira. Birmingham initially pursued the Nigerian as Davies' preferred choice at the start of the season, despite Laird's excellent form during the previous campaign.
The Run-In Decision Looms
As Birmingham City enter the crucial final phase of the season, Davies faces a significant selection dilemma. Both Osayi-Samuel and Laird effectively represent new signings given their extended absences, yet neither has experience operating in the specialized role that Iwata has mastered.
The manager must now determine whether to reintegrate the returning specialists into their natural positions or maintain the tactical system built around Iwata's unique capabilities. This decision could prove pivotal to Birmingham's Championship aspirations during the demanding run-in period.
Only time will reveal whether Osayi-Samuel or Laird can adapt to the demands of Birmingham's evolved right-back role sufficiently to challenge Iwata's established position. Both players possess the athletic attributes and technical quality, but mastering the specific tactical requirements represents their greatest challenge as they seek to reclaim their places in Chris Davies' starting lineup.
