Birmingham City made a strong start to the new Championship campaign but have struggled to maintain play-off chasing form as the season reaches its midpoint.
The Blues are currently sitting in 17th place with 27 points, and whilst their position would suggest that they would be closer to the relegation places, they are actually as close in points to sixth position as they are from 22nd.
Given the tight and competitive nature of the Championship this year, the Blues are still in contention for a play-off place as the season progresses, but they will need to be at their very best in the new year.
Here, we take a look at the five best players at Birmingham in 2021, do you agree?
5. Troy Deeney
Troy Deeney has grown in importance and stature as the season has progressed, after making a summer move from Watford.
Netting four times and assisting three in 17 league goals thus far, the 33-year-old is proving to be an important member of the squad at St Andrew's.
He has also developed a good working relationship with Scott Hogan up top, with the 29-year-old benefitting from Deeney's physicality and intelligence.
Deeney is set to play an important role as the season progresses.
4. Dion Sanderson
With a lot of clubs chasing Dion Sanderson during the summer, it was eventually the Blues who were trusted by his parent club Wolves.
The recently turned 22-year-old has been a vital part of Birmingham's defence this year, with his athleticism and reading of the game allowing him to emerge as a confident individual in the Championship.
Birmingham will be hoping that the Premier League club do not find themselves in a position where they need to recall Sanderson.
The young defender has proven why so many clubs were chasing in the summer, seamlessly adapting to the rigours of second-tier football.
3. Tahith Chong
Tahith Chong has been an extremely bright spark for the Blues when he has been available this season.
Chong's ability in the final third and confidence to beat his defender has certainly got fans off their seats this season, although, his season has now been disrupted with injury.
The 22-year-old chipped in with three assists from 13 league games with the Blues, whilst being a consistent performer at St Andrew's.
It remains to be seen if Birmingham fans will get to see much more of Chong but they will be hoping that he can return.
2. Riley McGree
Riley McGree is another example of a player who sparks excitement at St Andrew's, with his final third play, as well as his desire to play for the badge, has seen him become an integral member of the squad.
McGree has chipped in with two goals and two assists in 13 league games this season, proving to be an important scorer of goals and a source of creativity.
The Australian international is set to return to Charlotte FC this January, which is likely to leave a huge void in the middle of the park.
1. Matija Sarkic
Matija Sarkic has reached 10 clean sheets already this season with the Blues, with the on loan shot-stopper playing a starring role at times this season.
Sarkic, who is currently on loan with the Championship outfit from Wolves, may not have enjoyed the best of days at Blackburn Rovers at the weekend, but he has been an excellent addition on the balance of things.
The fact that Sarkic is keeping out Neil Etheridge is another indication as to how good of a job he has been doing between the sticks this season.