Birmingham City enter the second international break of the 2025/26 campaign somewhat frustrated with their efforts so far.
With a pretty underwhelming 12 points from nine games, BCFC sit 16th in the Championship table. Considering the summer saw hype of a push for a second consecutive promotion, it is fair to say that they haven’t exactly delivered on expectations to date.
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
That has brought some pressure on head coach Chris Davies. The standards were set so high last season that he is perhaps a victim of his own success somewhat, with reports of growing scrutiny feeling a little premature.
There is an understandable frustration over Birmingham City’s limitations in the final third though. The bid to get things really clicking in the final third has brought much debate, but it feels summer signing Marvin Ducksch could be a much-needed solution.
What Marvin Ducksch will bring to the Birmingham City starting XI
The 4-2-3-1 of Birmingham City’s 2024/25 campaign hasn’t been moved away from. The centre of that three was often a second striker than a natural number 10, serving as a key part of link-up play rather than an out-and-out playmaker.
Early on this season though, there has been a struggle to find the player best suited to this role. Jay Stansfield has been utilised, Lyndon Dykes offers more a physical presence, while Tommy Doyle is a natural playmaker from any midfield role.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Given Ducksch’s role at Werder Bremen though, it is hard not to argue that he could be the answer to this BCFC dilemma.
The German was often in a strike partnership at Werder Bremen, allowing him to drop in deep when required – similar to the second striker role in Davies’ setup. His creative output was fantastic with 40 assists in 134 games, showing just how well be links up with those around him and brings teammates into dangerous positions.
Looking closer at the underlying numbers from last season, Ducksch could be the piece of the jigsaw Birmingham City are missing.
No Bundesliga striker bettered his expected assists (9.06), successful passes (511), accurate long balls (43), chances created (62) or successful crosses (44) all season. That level of output in his passing should have the likes of Jay Stansfield and Kyogo Furuhashi salivating.
All stats via FotMob
Fitness issues a rarity for previous ever-present Marvin Ducksch
Understandably, there is frustration among Birmingham City fans over Ducksch’s lack of action. That is only amplified by how readily available he was in his time at Werder Bremen.
His injury history at Werder Bremen was remarkably clear. So, when he pulled up in the warm-up against Coventry City, there were groans aplenty.
Marvin Ducksch’s 2021 to 2025 Werder Bremen availability – via Transfermarkt
It remains to be seen just when he’s back in action for BCFC. The international break offers an opportunity to rest up and get fit again, hopefully allowing him to display his impressive link-up attributes sooner rather than later.
The delay to see Ducksch in action may be frustrating Birmingham City fans, but the stats behind his Bundesliga efforts suggest it might be worth the wait.