After another very busy summer at Birmingham City, new boss Pep Clotet has managed to get off to a decent start after succeeding Garry Monk.

The Spaniard will have been encouraged by a points return of 16 points from 11 games which has left Blues in the top-half, although he will be aware that performances on the whole have been mixed.

The west Midlands outfit produced their best 90 minutes against Middlesbrough last time out, when they controlled possession and created chance after chance.

Up until then, they had shown the battling qualities that had become synonymous with Monk's side to get points on the board.

So, there is a feeling that there's more to come from the current group and here we look at FIVE standout performers for Blues so far this season...

Ivan Sunjic

The big-money summer signing arrived with a lot of hype from Dinamo Zagreb and it's fair to say he didn't have the best of starts. That's not to say he was poor, but you expected more from a £6m player.

However, he has shown his quality recently, with a wonderful goal at Derby one standout moment. His individual display at Derby was also outstanding and the Croatian is already becoming a key player at his new club.

Jude Bellingham

Undoubtedly the big success story this season, 16-year-old Bellingham has the potential to be a superstar.

He has forced his way into the XI, scored two winning goals and seems to be getting better all the time. As well as that, he has played in various positions with his best performance coming in the middle of the park last time out.

Kristian Pedersen

According to WhoScored's ratings, the left-back has been the best player at St. Andrew's this season and whilst he is only third on our list, there's no doubt he has been impressive.

Pedersen may not grab the headlines with exciting runs down the flank or quality crosses but he is sound defensively and a hugely reliable player for Clotet - like most of the back four.

Lukas Jutkiewicz

The target man is once again the top scorer for Blues, although he only has scored three and is without a strike in five.

Nevertheless, his contribution to the team is much more than just goals. He selflessly leads the line, holds the ball up, brings others into play and bullies defenders. He is crucial to the way this team plays.

Maxime Colin

Another who slips under the radar, you could make a strong case to say that Colin is the best right-back in the league. He is just so consistent.

The former Brentford man is capable in possession, gets forward well and is strong defensively. A very impressive performer once again in the opening months.

 

[freshpress-poll ]