Mutch More Important

It’s a clear summer’s day in the East Midlands. Twenty seven thousand people attend Derby County’s first game of the 2011/12 season against newly relegated Birmingham City. A goal keeping error gifts the rams’ three points and the perfect opening day result. But as the blog title suggests, this is “real educated football” and those with a football brain in attendance that day will have witnessed the birth of an exciting, young, technically gifted talent in a Birmingham City shirt. Nathan Redmond I hear you shout. Not Quite. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you, Jordon Mutch.

Playing Career

The six foot two midfielder left Pride Park after Birmingham City agreed a compensation package for the player back in 2007. At just fifteen, Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and second city rivals Aston Villa were sniffing around the England International but he decided to move to St.Andrew’s. And he hasn’t looked back since.

A notable low came in 2008 when Mutch was ordered to take a period of complete rest because his rapid rate of growth had placed excessive strain on the growth plates in his legs. Rest and surgery corrected the problem, which had caused fractures in both feet, and Mutch accepted the offer of a first professional contract in April 2009.

Two youth loans at Hereford and Doncaster provided the perfect platform for Mutch to develop his unquestionable talents. Yet it was during his 23 game stint at Watford that he earned plaudits from all directions. Recalled back to his parent club after netting five times for the Hornets, he would look to stamp his mark on the team.

On The Field

Mutch is a player who oozes in quality. His ability to use both his left and right foot in equal measure, to which he did with great effect against Derby when taking corners from each side with different feet, gives him an added dimension. The twenty year old likes to sit deep, always making an angle to receive a pass, and sweep it out to the flanks or with nimble and tidy footwork create an opening to hit the front man’s feet.

There is a majestic wizardry about him. His upright stance gives the impression he glides across the pitch in an almost Berbatov-esque fashion. The most impressive aspect to his game is his clam confidence when on the ball. Like all of the greats in his position, when the opposition press for the ball, they always find an alleyway to escape. Mutch has mastered the art. Shaping to go one way, he fools the ratting midfielders into reading his next move, buys himself some time and picks a pass with accurate results.

Mutch is a player with the potential to perform at the highest level. In only his third year as a professional he has shown a maturity beyond his years. An unfortunate training injury meant he has missed the lion’s share of the season so far. Now fully fit and in Chris Hughton’s starting eleven, he orchestrates his sides play, dictating direction and tempo from in front of the back four. A big presence in his side, with a big future in his sights.

Birmingham City will look to replace the likes of Jean Beausejour and the imminent sale of Liam Ridgewell with players of similar quality on a smaller budget. National journalists have highlighted seventeen year old Nathan Redmond as their brightest young talent to keep hold of. And at first glance, the tricky winger exhilarates and excites. However, he does not possess the quality on the ball, maturity in possession or that final bit of quality that Jordan Mutch does. Maybe with a run of games that will come. For the time being, keeping hold of Jordon, is Mutch more important.

Dale Moon