The Early Verdict on Bristol City’s 12 New Signings

There was a significant squad overhaul at Ashton Gate this summer, with Lee Johnson spending a purported £25million on new players. With such a large-scale change in personnel, the Robins were predicted to have a slow-start to the season. However, this has not been the case, and Bristol City find themselves fourth in the Championship table.

Understandably the 2019/2020 season is just seven games old, and it is perhaps it is a little too early to provide a complete assessment on the new acquisitions. However, I’ve given each of the new players a school-grade to reflect their start at Bristol City, and to see who has been performing at top of the class.

Tomas Kalas – A

The Robin’s record signing has had a fine start to the season as the central-figure in a back-three also consisting of Taylor Moore and Nathan Baker. His best performance came away to Derby County, where he helped his side to an impressive away-win. Unfortunately, the Czech international picked up an injury against Hull City, but is on the cusp of returning to full-fitness, and he will be a crucial player for Lee Johnson’s team in the weeks to come.

Daniel Bentley – A*

Arguably the most impressive of City’s summer recruits so far, with a number of fine saves and commanding performances helping his team reach fourth in the table at the time of writing. His first clean-sheet for his new side came at home to QPR, and if early-season form is anything to go by, it should be the first of many. With Niki Maenpaa returning from injury, the battle for the number 1 jersey at Bristol City will be fierce, but it would be difficult to drop Bentley after his success so far this campaign.

Han-Noah Massengo – A

The 18-year-old Frenchman surprised many by making the move from Champions League outfit Monaco, to Championship side Bristol City. However, since his arrival, his performances have justified the large price that was paid for the midfielder, and he has already obtained fan-favourite status at Ashton Gate.

Sam Szmodics – C

Opportunities have been few and far between for the attacker signed on a free-transfer from Colchester United. Szmodics showed early promise in pre-season, however he’s been resigned to substitute appearances so far in the Championship. With Kasey Palmer higher in the pecking order for the creative-midfielder slot, Szmodics will have to bide his time.

Benik Afobe – A* 

The lack of a proven-goalscorer is arguably what caused Bristol City to narrowly miss out on the play-offs in the last campaign, and Lee Johnson was desperate to ensure his side included one this time round. Afobe was the man brought in by the Robins, and so far so good, with three goals in just five appearances.

Kasey Palmer – A

Kasey Palmer received limited game-time during his loan-spell for Bristol City in 2018/19, however since his permanent transfer from Chelsea, he has been one of the first names on the team-sheet. Lee Johnson has commented on how Palmer had worked hard over the summer, and improved his fitness. It is certainly showing on the pitch, and the playmaker has already two assists to his name this season.

Adam Nagy – A

The Hungarian international has been limited to just two appearances this season due to injury, however, he received man-of-the-match in both of these games. His energetic, dynamic and combative style has excited the Ashton Gate faithful, with many believing that he is the defensive-midfield player that Bristol City have been crying out for in recent years.

Tommy Rowe – A*

The experienced Rowe was brought in as a versatile player, and was expected to be used sparingly as a rotation-player. However, an injury to Jay DaSilva has meant that Rowe has been a stalwart at left-back for the Robins. His performances have been so impressive that it remains to be seen who will take the left-back shirt once DaSilva returns.

Pedro Pereira – N/A

Rene Gilmartin – N/A

Ashley Williams – N/A

Jay DaSilva – N/A

 

 

 

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