Alexander Hleb’s year-long loan from Barcelona has got the Birmingham faithful at last celebrating the belated flexing of the club’s financial muscles. The classy Belarus international oozes quality and will add a huge slice of craft and creativity to a Birmingham midfield known for its industry rather than guile.
Not surprisingly, Alex McLeish was rather pleased with his new addition..
“This is a major signing for us and we are very happy to have him here. He is an extremely creative type who is skillful, a great dribbler and has an excellent touch and quick feet.”
In Fantasy terms however it’s not so easy to share the Birmingham boss’ enthusiasm. Hleb is of course a known figure in the Premier League having spent three seasons at the Emirates under Arsene Wenger. During his time there Hleb built his reputation as a silky playmaker, offering plenty of artistry from a central or even a wide position. His Fantasy returns however, were somewhat disappointing.
Hleb’s statistics show he fetched 3 goals in 17 starts in his first season at Arsenal and followed that up with 2 goals and 5 assists in 27 starts in 2006/07. His final season at the Emirates was his best – Hleb registered 2 goals and 7 assists together with 18 Fantasy Premier League Bonus Points in 29 starts.
Birmingham will struggle to get goals from Hleb then. He has failed to register a single strike in the League at Barcelona and whilst on loan at Stuttgart last season, despite making 24 starts for the German side.
Assists will be his food and drink and Bonus Points in the FPL are also likely to be a decent source of return. Barry Ferguson will no longer be the big Bonus fish in the Birmingham midfield – fancy that eh?
Birmingham’s goal output will surely increase as a result of Hleb’s presence and the likes of Cameron Jerome and Nikola Zigic should be well placed to reap the benefit. It remains to be seen just how Hleb will slot into the Birmingham system however. A 4-5-1 with Hleb in the hole is of course a possibility, particularly away from home.
Birmingham remain busiest club on deadline day so far so with the suggestion that Chilean left-winger Jean Beausejour is on the verge of signing, in addition to the earlier deal that brought Spartak Moscow’s skipper Martin Jiranek to the club.