Ratings
- A1- Very good, could play higher
- A2- Strong potential to play higher
- B1- Good, strong player at level
- B2- Potential to be strong player at level
- C- Average for the level, rewatch
- D- Below average, don’t follow up
Match Overview
First match back after the lockdown, title chasing West Brom were definitely the better side of the two however due to not playing for almost 3 months it had an effect on the players.
Jude Bellingham
Player Profile:
- Nationality: English
- Age: 17 (16 at the time of the game)
- DOB: 29/06/2003
- Club: Birmingham City
- Career: Birmingham City
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Secondary Position: Right/Left Midfielder
- Preferred Foot: Right
For someone who is only 16 years old the confidence he has is great to see, always getting into space between the opposition midfield and constantly calling for the ball. When he was in possession he showed his brilliant close control by dribbling and taking on players, using his strength well to shield the ball and win fouls. Playing in CM in a 442 meant he had to get up and down the pitch and he had no problem, when Birmingham were on the counter attack he wasted no time in getting up the field showing his stamina and desire to get up the pitch and help his team.
Another thing which impressed me was his close control when being pressed, keeping the ball close and retaining possession while being pressed and helping his team advance the ball up the field. He would often take little touches to get around the defender and then play a forward pass to either the winger or the strikers. Also, when Birmingham are out of possession, he positions himself well and is very aware of where the opponents are looking to pass and he blocks the option off stopping the opponent from getting the ball up the pitch. This shows the awareness and intelligence he already possess which will only improve as he gets older and more experienced.
One thing I would like to see him do more of is making the third man runs into the box. Already a strong and fairly tall player, he will grow more and he can use that to win headers in the box and score more goals.
Rating: A1
If reports are to be believed, it seems he is going to Germany to play for Dortmund. A brilliant move for his career where he will get to play in the Bundesliga and the Champions League and will continue to develop and maybe one day make a return to England to one of the top clubs.
Jake Clarke-Salter
Player Profile:
- Nationality: English
- Age: 22
- DOB: 22/09/1997
- Club: Birmingham City (Loan from Chelsea)
- Career: Chelsea, Bristol Rovers (Loan), Sunderland (Loan), Vitesse (Loan)
- Position: Central Defender
- Preferred Foot: Left
A very solid performance from the on-loan Chelsea man. Throughout the game he showed his composure on the ball, especially when being pressed by the opposition, he would keep the ball under control and pick the right pass to help his team retain the ball. His ability on the ball is massive to Birmingham as it helps them when playing out the back, as well as allowing Clarke-Salter to step out of defence with the ball and advance the ball up the field, ending the game with a 92.3% passing accuracy.
In terms of his 1v1 defending he timed his tackles very well, making 4 tackles and winning 4 out of 5 of his ground duels. He also showed good strength and aerial ability when defending long balls from the opposition. One thing which he did struggle with during the game was following his runner making runs in behind, at one point he let his man run in behind who was then 1v1 with the keeper, however good recovery pace and a brilliantly timed tackle meant Jake had made up for his error.
Rating: B1
He’s at a good age where he has still got lots of development, he is at the right place at Birmingham as he will be a starter and for now there is no need for him to move to a higher club.
Dan Crowley
Player Profile
- Nationality: English
- Age: 22
- DOB: 03/08/1997
- Club: Birmingham City
- Career: Arsenal U23, Barnsley (Loan), Oxford United (Loan), Go Ahead Eagles (Loan), Willem 2, SC Cambuur (Loan)
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Secondary Position: Left/Right Midfielder
- Preferred Foot: Right
One of the things which impressed me about Crowleys performance was his speed when dribbling. He identified where the space is and he uses his speed and close control to dribble into the space and more times than not led to him advancing the ball up the field. As well as this, he was good at using his agility to drop a shoulder and beat his man. He also showed his ability at crossing the ball, despite none leading to a goal, he put the ball into dangerous areas which worried the West Brom defenders.
He would often drift into the right half space and open up space for the RB to push on, so when he receives the ball he has the option to play a ball down the line to the RB leading to them putting in a cross. Drifting inside also allowed him to pull defenders out of position as well as linking up with the forwards to create chances, showing his ability to play one touch passes in tight areas. In terms of defensive contribution he is very good at tracking his man, stopping them from either getting a cross in or making a forward pass to advanced players.
Rating: B1
Showed good intelligence and technical ability and linked up well with his forwards and his right back. At times he played the easy option instead of taking a risk, he is playing at a good level for his career and maybe if he becomes a bit braver around the 18 yard box it would lead to him creating more chances. If he starts to do this then he could potentially improve his numbers and maybe get a move to one of the top Championship clubs.