Birmingham City manager Chris Davies believes the arrival of defender Kai Wagner has given his Championship side a crucial new weapon: tactical unpredictability on the left flank.
A New Dynamic on the Left
For the past 18 months, Davies's system at St Andrew's has been notably consistent. Left-back Alex Cochrane would typically tuck inside during possession to form a back three, allowing the right-back greater freedom to push forward. This structured approach has now been altered by the January signing of Wagner from MLS side Philadelphia Union.
The German full-back, who has signed a two-and-a-half year contract, offers a completely different profile to Cochrane. Rather than seeking a direct replacement, Birmingham have deliberately pursued an alternative option, with Wagner's forward-thinking style already making an impact.
Wagner's Immediate Impact
Wagner's attacking credentials, honed during his time in Major League Soccer where he registered numerous assists, were on immediate display. He provided a pinpoint cross for Marvin Ducksch to score just six minutes into his debut against Coventry City. The defender then netted his first goal for the club in last weekend's FA Cup victory at Cambridge United, further emphasising his threat in the final third.
This acquisition has fundamentally changed the balance of Davies's starting eleven. The manager now has two starkly contrasting options at left-back, enabling a significant tactical shift.
Davies Explains the Tactical Tweak
"Alex has got the Alex Cochrane role where he plays as a hybrid between a left-back and centre-back, then he joins with surprise runs forward," Davies explained, outlining the distinct roles. "Kai is more natural going forward. He's not a wing-back but more of an attacking full-back."
Davies elaborated on the key differences between his two players in the position: "Alex will go into midfield, he's a passer, whereas Kai will get forward more and get crosses in."
The most telling comment from the Blues boss centred on the new strategic flexibility. "We have made a little tweak in terms of how we set up to give us a different dimension and a little bit of unpredictability and another string to our bow," Davies stated. He acknowledged the previous consistency, adding: "I think we've played exactly the same way for quite some time."
This adjustment means the team's right-back, Tomoki Iwata, no longer has the same free-roaming licence, with Blues now fielding two more orthodox full-backs. The change is designed to keep Championship opponents guessing and provide a fresh attacking outlet that was previously absent.
