Chris Davies has identified qualities in Marvin Ducksch that had previously gone unnoticed, with the Birmingham City forward showing significant improvement since the turn of the year. The experienced German striker, who arrived with an impressive Bundesliga record, is now demonstrating why he was such a coveted signing.
From Stop-Start Beginnings to Consistent Impact
Marvin Ducksch's first season in English football began with promise but was hampered by early setbacks. The forward arrived at St Andrew's in August carrying a brilliant track record from Germany, where he contributed to 59 goals across his last three Bundesliga seasons. Expectations were naturally high for him to shine in the Championship.
After a stop-start beginning that saw him arrive with a calf issue and sustain another injury following just one league start, Ducksch finally found his rhythm in the Autumn. There were notable goals against Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion, but his influence extended beyond mere scoring. Those playing around him seemed to elevate their performances, coinciding with Birmingham City's climb up the league table.
A December Dip and New Year Resurgence
Manager Chris Davies had already recognised Ducksch's importance during this productive period, emphasising the need to keep the striker fit. While Ducksch managed to stay injury-free, he experienced a concerning dip in form throughout December, going six consecutive games without a goal contribution or even a second assist. Birmingham's results deteriorated accordingly during this barren spell.
Matters reached a low point on New Year's Day with a 3-0 defeat to Watford that frustrated the travelling supporters, with Ducksch receiving particular criticism. However, the German international responded emphatically with a brace and a Man of the Match performance against league leaders Coventry City. This sparked a resurgence that included another goal in the cup against Cambridge, an assist at Swansea, and the vital opening goal in Birmingham's victory at Sheffield Wednesday.
Positional Changes Unlocking Potential
When asked what has changed in Ducksch's approach, Davies explained several key adjustments. "There's been a couple of things," says the Birmingham manager. "His position has changed to a number 10, and my role within that is to probably put him in a position where he can show more of his qualities more often."
Davies continued: "I think the adaptation side of it is one factor. He's just come off the front to find spaces a little bit more and use his creativity. He's got a great touch, great awareness, and he's creative. He's not the type of number 10 that will drop really deep and start linking everything while never scoring. He's one who can link play but will also get into the box and score."
The manager believes these elements have converged at precisely the right moment for the forward. "Those things have come together at the right time for him. I think his goal contributions – including goals, first assists, and second assists – have been outstanding since he's been here. If you look at minutes per goal contribution, it's been really good. There does seem to be a better version of Marvin now, more consistently. He seems happy and appears to be really enjoying his football."
Beyond Traditional Metrics
In modern football where goals and assists have become primary metrics for judging attacking players, managers like Davies are increasingly considering second assists in their evaluations. Ducksch has registered seven goals and one assist – a delightful flick that set up Patrick Roberts' equaliser against Swansea – across 22 matches for Birmingham City.
When factoring in four 'second assists', plus the penalty he won that Jay Stansfield missed against Portsmouth, Ducksch's statistical contribution appears more favourable. It's worth noting that one of those second assists involved a midfield pass to Stansfield, who then beat two players before finding Demarai Gray to score spectacularly against Watford. The remaining three second assists more closely align with what Davies considers genuine goal contributions.
Emerging Leadership Qualities
Ducksch, who will turn 32 in March, hasn't conducted interviews in his second language, but insiders reveal he has become a significant character within the dressing room. Evidence of this emerged when he sprinted down the touchline to celebrate Kyogo Furuhashi breaking his Championship duck at Hillsborough, before offering words of encouragement to the Japanese striker.
The German forward is beginning to demonstrate genuine leadership qualities. Davies observed: "I've noticed in the last few away games I've seen a real personality and communicator on the pitch. He doesn't seem to be one that gets overawed or nervous; he seems to have a real belief in himself, and I think he does galvanise those around him."
The manager added: "I see leadership qualities in him and that personality – you can see he has that about him. I think he's feeling valued. At Werder Bremen he was the main man really, and he thrived on that responsibility. I feel he's starting to experience that more now, so we should see the best of him moving forward."
As Birmingham City continue their Championship campaign, the unlocking of Ducksch's full potential through positional adjustments and recognition of his leadership attributes represents a significant development for the club's attacking prospects.
