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Diego’s downfall is his own inflexibility

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Back in January, Diego Fabbrini became Birmingham City`s most expensive signing in half-a-decade. On a contract that was lucrative for Blues` recent standards, Fabbrini was earmarked as the direct replacement for loanee Jon Toral, last seasons ‘player of the season`.

Fast forward just over eight months – or half a season – and the Italian is struggling to find a way into the Blues team on a regular basis.

During pre-season, Fabbrini was the focal point of Blues` set-up, everything they did came through him. All of the evidence suggested Fabbrini would play a key role this season and would be the key man. But with Gary Rowett`s slight tweaking of the system, the San Giuliano Terme born playmaker has been a victim of his own inflexibility.

Fabbrini can only start games if Rowett opts for a one striker system with a number ten in behind. Seemingly, Fabbrini can only play in one position doing one role. And it appears Rowett has, in recent games, taken a step back from this system and adopted a more malleable shape.

New signing Che Adams has been the biggest benefactor in this, his versatility has been coupled with some very decent performances. With Adams in the team, Rowett already has a striker, a wide midfielder and a number ten rolled into one.

What next for 26 year-old Fabbrini?

He still has a part to play as his cameo at Reading proved. He can also be an asset, as we also saw at the Madejski Stadium. But to justify his £1.5m fee, the Italian must force his way back into the reckoning and, if and when he does, contribute to the score sheet more often.

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