Davies' Tactical Switch Pays Immediate Dividends
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has successfully recreated a tactical approach previously used by Tony Mowbray to unlock the full potential of summer signing Patrick Roberts. The winger, who arrived on a season-long loan from Sunderland on transfer deadline day, has become a revelation for Blues despite modest statistics of one goal and two assists in nine appearances.
The Roberts-Iwata Partnership Flourishes
The new right-sided combination between Roberts and Japanese midfielder Tomoki Iwata proved devastatingly effective during Birmingham's 4-0 victory over Millwall on Tuesday. Roberts was instrumental in three of the four goals scored, demonstrating his growing influence within the team.
This partnership works exceptionally well because Roberts maintains width on the right flank, a tactical nuance Davies borrowed from Mowbray's playbook. "I remember watching him for Sunderland a couple of years ago when Tony Mowbray was in charge," noted journalist Alex Dicken on the Keep Right On Podcast. "Roberts stayed wide and Niall Huggins, their right-back that day, kept popping up in the number 10 position and could have had a hat-trick first half."
System Reversal Suits Both Players
Davies deserves significant credit for implementing this tactical adjustment. Last season, Birmingham employed a system where the right-winger would drift inside to operate as a number 10 in possession, while the right-back provided width. Davies has completely reversed these roles.
This change particularly benefits Iwata, whose natural position is central midfield. His remarkable running power and sprint frequency have surprised many observers, allowing him to thrive in advanced areas while Roberts stretches the opposition defence from wide positions.
The tactical tweak represents a significant departure from last season's more rigid approach and has already produced exciting attacking football, with the Roberts-Iwata combination emerging as Birmingham's most potent weapon.
