It was a wretched summer for Birmingham City, a transfer embargo derailed any notion Garry Monk might have had of building a squad, leaving them fighting against the odds for another season.

One player they did manage to sign was Kristian Pedersen from Union Berlin, a left sided player who can operate at wing back or as an orthodox winger.

For a short while, it appeared as though they might not get to play him anyway.

His transfer had 'disappointed' the EFL and they refused to register him. Eventually an agreement was reached and the 24-year old became a Blue.

Since then he's become a key part of the Birmingham defence, a rear guard that has seen a lot of pressure and fended off plenty of attacks. How is the Dane settling into that side though? Has he been effective though? was it worth the wait?

FLW shines a spotlight on Birmingham new boy Kristian Pedersen.

He's certainly been heavily involved, as you would expect, featuring in all six of the Blues' opening matches. He's played 90 minutes in all those games, making him an integral part of the team already.

He has qualities going forward, but it has been in defence where he's been deployed this season. He's been involved in plenty of action as well, making 2.8 tackles per game.

He's also keenly breaking up opposition play going forward, with an average of 3.2 interceptions across the six games. He tackles, he intercepts and he also makes clearances.

The Blues have come under pressure in many of their games and are still without a win, but Pedersen makes 4.7 clearances per game at present.

He's certainly heavily involved in the defensive third of the pitch and it seems he is going to be increasingly important as the long season begins to drag out.

His pass success rate is 66%, something that can be worked upon, but at present it is that dogged determination to defend which is characterising his early outings.

Birmingham fans will hope it continues into the autumn and winter.

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