Birmingham City have witnessed a significant defensive resurgence with centre-back Phil Neumann reinstated in the starting lineup alongside Christoph Klarer. This strategic move has coincided with the team achieving their 10th clean sheet in the Championship this season, with Neumann featuring in eight of those shut-outs.
Neumann's Impact on Birmingham's Defensive Record
The decision to bring Neumann back into the fold, after he was dropped in February despite Birmingham's seven-game unbeaten league run, has sparked a notable improvement in the team's defensive performances. Blues followed an unfortunate loss to Ipswich Town on Easter Monday with a dominant victory against Wrexham, showcasing a much-needed return to form.
In recent matches, Neumann has faced two of the Championship's most physical centre-forwards, George Hirst and Kieffer Moore, displaying promising signs of growth. Early in the season, observers might not have described Neumann as commanding or dominant, especially compared to Klarer, but he demonstrated these very qualities against Moore.
Physicality and Aerial Dominance
Neumann made a concerted effort to impose his physicality on Moore from the outset, likely aware of the Welsh striker's tendency to bully Championship defenders. With six aerial victories against Moore, more than every Birmingham player except August Priske, Neumann proved he can compete at this level.
This performance suggests he can become the centre-back Birmingham need in the Championship, where few players can match his physical attributes. Manager Chris Davies emphasized Neumann's potential, stating, "He's got a good opportunity now to really show what he can do. He's got pace and height, and he's got better aerially as the season has gone on."
Statistical Evidence of Neumann's Importance
The numbers strongly support Neumann's value to the team. In the 28 Championship games he has started, Birmingham have won 12, drawn seven, and lost nine. Conversely, in the 14 games without him, they have won only three, drawn four, and lost seven.
Blues average 1.5 points per game with Neumann in the lineup, compared to less than one point per game without him. Over a full 46-game season, that 1.5-point average would yield 69 points, a total often sufficient for a top-six finish, though not this year.
Managerial Decisions and Defensive Consistency
These statistics challenge Davies' earlier decisions to rotate other defenders like Jack Robinson, Jonathan Panzo, or Eiran Cashin in place of Neumann. Davies' preference for left-footed defenders and his desire to position Klarer on his favoured right side have complicated defensive selections, leading to 19 different defensive combinations this season.
Davies acknowledged this inconsistency, saying, "It's indicative of the inconsistency. We've had injuries but from me trying to find what I feel is a consistent combination... I've definitely tried to stick with the line at times and build a bit of consistency but something comes up or changes and you move things around."
He added, "It's something I've thought about more than anything this season, finding that combination, because I've never felt that we've had a real consistency of starting XI that I want and I think you need to be a good team."
Future Prospects and Summer Decisions
Looking ahead, Birmingham are likely to address their defensive issues by acquiring a left-sided centre-back, a position they failed to secure three times this season. However, Neumann has positioned himself as a viable option for the future.
If Birmingham truly operate as a data-driven club, Neumann's statistics present a compelling case. While there is room for improvement, the German defender should be considered third in line for potential offloading this summer, behind other centre-backs. His resurgence offers hope for a more stable defensive partnership with Klarer next season, provided he maintains his physicality and aerial prowess.
