Vicente in, Iwata out: Is this the best Birmingham City XI after the January transfer window? | OneFootball

FLW has looked at what Blues' best XI could look like if all of Chris Davies' squad were available

Birmingham City endured a winter transfer window of strong change when it came to the outlook of Chris Davies' squad, as they look to push for a play-off place in the final weeks of the season.

Davies was able to recruit six new signings throughout the window, whilst also parting ways with over 10 players, many of whom were already plying their trade away from St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on a loan basis, or were on the fringes of the current Blues side.

It has been well-documented that Birmingham were able to eventually address several areas of their squad which needed bolstering in terms of depth and quality in order to achieve their desired target which was set out at the beginning of the season.

After an inconsistent return to the Championship after last season's record-breaking campaign in League One, Birmingham have started to show signs of consistency, which supporters will hope continues between now and the end of the regular season.

However, it is fair to say that Davies may now have several 'positive' dilemmas to consider when selecting his side if, and when, all of his first-team options are available for selection.

Based off the aforementioned scenario, Football League World have looked at what could potentially be the Second City club's strongest starting lineup now their 25-man squad has been finalised.

GK: James Beadle

Between the sticks is Brighton and Hove Albion loanee, James Beadle.

It has been an intriguing loan switch from the AMEX Stadium for the England Under-21s goalkeeper, who has largely kept goal since replacing Ryan Allsop as 'first-choice' back in October.

Beadle has shown promising signs on occasions with saves that have kept Blues in contests or in the lead, but has also been prone to the occasional mishap, which is to be expected at this stage of his career.

RB: Ethan Laird

Davies has struggled for options at right-back for the majority of the season, with Tomoki Iwata often playing a 'makeshift' role due to the unavailability of Ethan Laird and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

However, when he returns from a hamstring injury in the coming weeks, it would be no surprise to see Laird feature as the prominent figure.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a fine season in League One, and will hope to remind Blues supporters of his capabilities once he is off the treatment table.

CB: Christoph Klarer

Captain, Christoph Klarer then features as the right centre-back in this side, returning to his natural side at the heart of defence.

The Austrian has built up fairly strong partnerships with four other defenders during his time at St. Andrew's, including Phil Neumann and Jack Robinson this term, albeit the latter is currently sidelined.

At his best, there is an argument to be had that Klarer is one of the top-performing centre-backs in the Championship.

CB: Jack Robinson

The aforementioned Robinson features alongside Klarer, although he is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue.

After signing from Sheffield United in September, the 32-year-old's start to life with Blues couldn't have gone much worse through two red cards and an own-goal in his first four appearances.

Since then, the Warrington-born defender had been much-improved before sustaining his knock against Cambridge United on January 10th.

LB: Kai Wagner

With Alex Cochrane and Lee Buchanan still out in the long run, January acquisition Kai Wagner takes the left-back spot rather easily.

The German was dubbed an 'assist king' during his successful spell with Philadelphia Union in the MLS, and he has since shown such capabilities in just over a month's worth of action in the West Midlands.

DM: Jhon Solis

At the base of midfield is current Girona FC loanee, Jhon Solis.

Blues were able to fend off competition for the powerful Colombian's signature on a temporary basis - albeit the deal can be turned permanent - and he showcased his previous UEFA Champions League pedigree with a strong performance in his first start for the club against Oxford United, after previously coming on as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City.

DM: Tommy Doyle

Solis' combativeness would certainly compliment the game-changing technical ability which Tommy Doyle has showcased time and time again at Championship level.

After initially finding it tough to nail down a starting berth following his loan switch from Wolves, the Mancunian's first run of starts coincided with an upsurge of form for Blues in the autumn, and they will hope that proves to be the case if the 24-year-old is able to regain his place in the side ahead of Paik Seung-ho and Iwata.

RM: Carlos Vicente

One of Blues' eye-catching January deals saw Carlos Vicente sign from Deportivo Alaves for £7m, and it's no surprise the 26-year-old features in this lineup.

The winger opted for a Championship switch instead of a move to Ajax, such is the ambition constantly showcased by Blues.

After accumulating 10 goals in all competitions for the Basque side ahead of his transfer, Vicente's Birmingham career got off to an impressive start against Oxford, with his improvisation key in Marvin Ducksch's second-half strike which secured all three points.

AM: Patrick Roberts

Blues were also able to secure a permanent deal for Patrick Roberts on Deadline Day, after the versatile playmaker initially impressed on loan from Sunderland.

It has been a hot topic of discussion as to which player in Davies' squad could play in the '10' after the additions of Vicente and Ibrahim Osman, who are both wingers, whilst Jay Stansfield's form in the role has been rather mixed of late.

As such, it wouldn't be the greatest of surprises to see that baton passed onto Roberts for the short-term as Blues look to continue improving their creative output.

LM: Demarai Gray

It was viewed as a stellar signing when Blues recaptured former academy graduate, Demarai Gray, on a free transfer, and such a stance has remained unchanged as a result of the winger's performances.

Before being sidelined with a calf issue - which he is nearing a full recovery from - on Boxing Day, the Jamaican had posted five goals and four assists in 23 Championship outings.

Gray's directness and quality on the ball had largely been missed until Osman's starts against Stoke and Oxford, although it would be expected that the one-time Premier League winner replaces the Ghanaian in Davies' starting side once fully fit.