Birmingham’s most used player last season was left back, Jonathan Grounds. The defender played a total of 4050 minutes as Birmingham made it to 10th place in the Sky Bet Championship.
The 27 year old joined from Oldham one a free transfer last summer and went on to make 45 league appearances in his first season with his new club.
Although some criticise the player for failing to offer anything going forward, it cannot be denied that he is an important cog in the Birmingham defence under Rowett.
The defender made 2.4 tackles; 2.2 interceptions; just 0.9 fouls and 3.5 clearances per game.
It is my opinion that Grounds was a stand out player within the team last season. He doesn’t particularly have the glamorous side of the game in his locker but he is solid at the back, out performing much of the more favored players on the team sheet with consistent performances.
Defensive work so often goes unnoticed, especially when you’re out on the sides, not making the ‘all important’ blocks. But it should go without saying that Grounds remained in the team all season, not just because there wasn’t any better in the squad but because his performances warranted his position.
I’m positive that if you asked Rowett he would say Grounds played an as important role in the team last season as players such as Morrison, Kiernan and Cotterill; but this is swept under the rug by some fans, why is that?
Source – Click Here
