What does Robert Tesche bring to Birmingham City?

A good friend of mine, a Nottingham Forest fan, once expressed his bafflement at Blues fans overwhelmingly wanting to sign Robert Tesche. When I pointed out that it all stemmed from a successful loan spell, he told me that we would soon see the real Tesche.

Like most Blues fans, I was happy with the signing of the German midfielder. To this, my Forest friend seemed puzzled. He said, and I quote- “no one knows where he plays, he is not a holding player and he is not an attacking midfielder, I don`t see what he actually brings to the team”.

I didn`t agree with his assessment but gave his opinion the respect it deserved, after all, as a season ticket holder at the City Ground, he has watched Tesche play more than I have.

Lately, and this may sound like a harsh statement about a player who has been injured, I am starting to see where he is coming from. Tesche isn`t a bad player by any means but what does he actually bring to the table?

I can vaguely see why he may be considered for the team in a flat four man midfield. However, in a three or a diamond, there are better options. Yet, the signing of Tesche was a no-risk signing, a free transfer that couldn`t really go wrong. It was also a very safe signing by Gary Rowett, the sort of signing we were accustomed to.

In Tesche`s favour, he does work extremely hard. He is an honest player. But does he improve Blues` team? I`m not convinced.

Blues fans, do you agree with Rob? Comment below.