Birmingham City are facing a tactical conundrum following the departure of left-back Kai Wagner, who returned to the United States after a brief but impactful spell. The German provided a unique attacking dimension from the left flank, contributing three assists and two further goals from his crosses in just 16 league games. Manager Chris Davies now must decide how to replace that output without a like-for-like option in the squad.
Existing Options and Tactical Shift
Davies has two left-backs available: Alex Cochrane and Lee Buchanan, both proven at Championship level. However, neither offers the same attacking threat as Wagner. As Alex Dicken noted on the Keep Right On Podcast, reintroducing either would force a tactical change. 'From a tactical viewpoint they are going to have to change their style to accommodate either Alex Cochrane or Lee Buchanan at left-back,' Dicken said. Brian Dick agreed, describing them as 'more defensive left-backs.'
This shift could impact the right-back position. Bright Osayi-Samuel thrived last season when Blues used an orthodox back four, allowing him to stay deeper and support winger Vicente. Dicken explained: 'What Osayi-Samuel did well at the end of last season... he was allowed to just offer a back-pass. Whereas I think you would want a little bit more from your right-back, maybe going into midfield, if you had Lee Buchanan or Alex Cochrane as your left-back.'
Tomoki Iwata as the Solution
This leads to a potential solution: moving Tomoki Iwata to right-back. Iwata is primarily a midfielder, but with Paik and Solis likely to be the first-choice midfield pairing once Paik returns to training, Iwata could be deployed at right-back to retain his place in the team. 'If you have Buchanan or Cochrane at left-back I think Iwata makes sense at right-back,' Dicken said. Iwata is a player Davies trusts, and his defensive solidity could balance the backline.
Alternatively, Blues could sign a direct replacement for Wagner—an attacking left-back with high-quality delivery. However, no such signing has been made yet, and the transfer window remains open.
Wagner's Impact and Future Options
Wagner's influence was immediate. In his first five games, he was a buccaneering presence, but he became more controlled later in the season as Blues adopted a pragmatic approach. 'He was more controlled. He had Ibrahim Osman ahead of him who again is a winger who wants to go on the outside... the difference with Wagner is the cross would be of real high quality,' Dicken noted. His delivery set up key goals, including Vicente's header against Wrexham.
Blues now have two serviceable Championship left-backs but lack one with Wagner's crossing ability. The tactical rejig involving Iwata could be the key to maintaining defensive stability while adapting to life without the German. As the season approaches, this will be a 'talking point,' Dicken concluded.
