Taylor Gardner-Hickman

Gardner-Hickman is the kind of player a manager slots in wherever a gap appears, comfortable defending as a right back one week and pushing forward in central midfield the next without looking out of place. His manager at West Brom even suggested full back might be his best position, a sign of how naturally defensive positioning comes to him despite his attacking instincts. That versatility mattered most when he scored a crucial goal that helped seal Birmingham's promotion.

The tension with a player this adaptable is the same one that follows every utility player, never quite settling into the one role that lets him become a genuine specialist. Coaches love a player who solves several problems at once, but that same usefulness can mean he rarely gets a long run in his most natural position. Where Birmingham eventually decide he fits best will shape how far his career goes.