Willum Willumsson produced an improved showing in Birmingham City’s 2-1 win over Burton Albion on Easter Monday
17:59, 21 Apr 2025Updated 18:08, 21 Apr 2025
Willum Þór Willumsson of Birmingham City
Chris Davies was pleased to see Willum Willumsson embrace the rough and tumble of English football in Birmingham City’s victory over Burton Albion.
Iceland international Willumsson has struggled for form since returning from an injury in February and arrived at the Pirelli Stadium without a goal or assist in his last 19 games.
Whilst Willumsson wasn’t able to end that drought, he did contribute to Jay Stansfield’s clinching second goal with a delightful dummy and produced arguably his best display since the turn of the year.
The 26-year-old’s improvement comes hot-on-the-heels of a frank conversation with Blues manager Davies about his form and adjustment to life in the EFL.
“He’s adapting,” said Davies. “There was one bouncing ball just before half-time and he’s gone up and clattered an opposition player. As I spoke to him about in the week, he’s in English football now, that’s what it’s like. You have to be able to mix it physically and he’s learning that.
“He’s got great quality with the ball, he’s got those deft touches, and I thought he played really well today.
“In Holland you’ll probably play 30 matches a season, but we’re playing 60 this season so it’s been different but nice to see him getting back to some form.”
Willumsson has played in 43 of Blues’ 56 matches to date. Despite his dip in form, Davies has stuck with Willumsson and started him for the seventh straight game in just over three weeks at Burton.
Davies has clearly tried to give Willumsson the chance to play his way back into form, but there are other reasons for his consistent selection.
“I feel like I’ve got great faith in him as well,” Davies added. “He also gives you good height on set pieces so you kind of do want three or four of a decent size, and he’s obviously a big boy. That helps him with team selection.
“He has played his way back into it (form) and he’s got to keep going.
“I did have a chat with him in the week about his adaptation to the game here and how different it is to Holland.
“He is learning that. It’s going to be even quicker and harder next season but he has adapted well overall. I’m just hoping he can get a few goals and assists to finish the season off.”
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