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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Bristol City end of season player ratings: Highs and lows as the attack excels but others flop

A difficult and transitional season is over and one that has seen manager Nigel Pearson hand nine debuts throughout the course of the campaign.

Players have started out with promise but faded out of the picture while others have gone in the opposite direction impressing when Pearson has handed opportunities by taking advantage of his ruthlessness.

The season has provided a solid building block heading into the summer and next season, especially in regards to the number of young players who have cemented their futures at Ashton Gate.

A stringent transfer budget at the beginning of the season and a number of injuries have meant Pearson has had to put round pegs in square holes at times which has both helped and perhaps hindered the development of certain players.

It was a season where the manager found an unstoppable formula in attack but for all their proficiency going forward, the defensive record became a real cause for concern while a brief keeper change halfway through the season cast doubt on the captain's future at the club.

Here are the final season ratings, for players who have clocked up a minimum of five league starts meaning both Sam Bell and Kasey Palmer miss out.

Dan Bentley - 7

His time out of the side was arguably a blessing in disguise as he returned as No1 with a determination to keep his spot. Consistently impressive and defence looked more assured with the captain starting.

Managed to avoid any errors, barring a couple at Stoke which he got away with, and his penalty save in the 1-0 victory at Blackburn was important in the grand scheme of stopping the rot of form.

A leader in the dressing room and has shown the ambition needed to help the Robins up the table.

Max O'Leary - 5

Came in for nine league matches at the end of December before an injury picked up during the defeat at Swansea ended his run in the side.

Failed to keep a clean sheet during those fixtures, having an unfortunate record of 23 goals during that period. Of course, he can't be held solely responsible for the defensive frailties and although he didn't make any glaring mistakes, O'Leary failed to convince that he should be City's No1 over Bentley. He did show his quality in playing out of defence.

Nathan Baker - 7

It seems a lifetime ago but with Bakes in the team, City looked decidedly more solid and robust and his unfortunate concussion at Sheffield United then seemed to coincide with that area of the field falling apart.

There was, of course, more to it than that but the centre-back enjoyed a strong first third of the season, deputising at left-back where needed and delivering his usual wholehearted and committed performances.

We can only wish him the best for the future, hopefully in a City shirt once again.

Tomas Kalas - 6

A mixed season for Kalas who was forced to miss the last two months of the season with Pearson citing he needs a lengthy recovery period considering the amount of football he has played over the last two years.

It may be why Kalas' performances dropped as the season progressed especially after the 3-2 victory over Cardiff in January. City's defensive record this season hasn't covered the backline in glory this season and the Czech Republic international will be eager to put the campaign behind him.

Timm Klose - 8

Arrived in January to help shore up City's leaky defence and started every game and played every minute until the final game of the season when he was forced off injured.

Consistently impressive in his reading of the game, comfortable with the ball at his feet and the ability to start attacks from playing out the back. Also important in helping Robbie Cundy and Rob Atkinson get used to the rigours of Championship football.

Difficult to remember a bad performance, perhaps the away defeat at Blackpool, but his signing has certainly been a success on a free transfer and the club are eager to keep him on.

Robbie Cundy - 6

Forced to wait three years until making his full Bristol City debut, coming in the 1-0 victory over Blackburn. Solid if not unspectacular during his run in the first team, seemingly playing his way to a new contract.

Does the basics well as he gets used to Championship football. Does struggle up against opponents with pace but also have to take into consideration how he's been asked to play alongside makeshift right wing-backs. Prone to the odd nervy moment but earned the trust of the manager and supporters.

Rob Atkinson - 7

A season of ups and downs for the former Oxford man although it has been largely positive. Impressive at the beginning of the season before struggling for form through illness and injury in October.

Made a comeback to the side at the beginning of March and emerged as one of City's brightest performers. Dominant in the air in both boxes and has a welcome burst of pace in a back three that isn't blessed with speed.

Has been a key catalyst to City's improved defensive record, especially in the last two months and has cemented his place in central defence heading into next season.

Robbie Cundy pictured with Rob Atkinson (Daniel Chesterton/JMP)

Cam Pring - 6

Emerged as a positive in the first half of the season, earning himself a new contract in the process. However, struggled in the New Year, having fallen out of favour in the last two months.

Mistakes at Preston, in which he conceded possession late on before their equaliser followed up by a difficult performance away at Swansea seemed to have an impact on his and the manager's confidence.

Fell down the pecking order at wing-back behind Ayman Benarous towards the end of the season and will welcome a summer break and pre-season to prove his worth.

Zak Vyner - 4

Struggled massively in the second half of the season, with Pearson losing confidence and patience in the defender. The defeat at Swansea, in which he was at fault for the opener, appeared to be the final straw having featured for just 45 minutes since.

Came on at half-time in the 1-1 draw with Peterborough in April but endured a difficult spell. Pearson lambasted some of his players for making the same individual errors and can't help but believe Vyner fits into that category.

Very likely to depart this summer.

Jay Dasilva - 7

Looked almost certain to leave in the January window following his spell out of the side but came back to become one of City's most consistent performers in the second half of the season.

Pearson has been hugely complimentary towards Dasilva's return and form, becoming one of the first names on the team-sheet at wing-back. Technically one of City's better players and defensively sound. Would like to see more of his quality in advanced positions and improve on the four assists he has picked up this season.

George Tanner - 6

A bright and purposeful start from the full-back, showcasing his talent after a surprise elevation to the first team following his arrival from Carlisle United - remember that brutal sliding tackle against Fulham in front of the Dolman Stand - Tanner's progress was unfortunately interrupted by two hamstring injuries reducing him to just 13 appearances.

It should also be remembered that after those first flushes of youth, the 22-year-old did experience a slight drop in confidence but that should also be expected given the step up from League Two. Now fit and with a full pre-season ahead of him, it will be fascinating to watch his development in 2022/23.

Matty James - 6

Returned from a two-month absence on the sidelines in March and needed a handful of games to get up to speed and find his fitness. Midfield looks a lot more solid with James in the team but needs a player of similar ilk, aka a Joe Williams, alongside him.

Excellent away at Derby and his form towards the end of the season showed why Pearson has so much faith in his trusty lieutenant. Not the most eye-catching of players but has the mental attributes that the manager likes in his players.

Joe Williams - 6

His importance in the side is amplified when he is absent from the side with injuries. It's been the common theme in a frustrating campaign for Williams who impresses in spells before finding himself back on the treatment table.

There's no doubt City are a better team with him in the middle with his aggression and work-rate despite being limited to just 13 starts. Keeping him fit next season will be crucial if the Robins are to climb into the top half of the table but can't be relied upon to play regularly.

His performances have been worthy of a higher score but unfortunately, injuries have hampered his progress.

Alex Scott - 8

One of the key positives for City throughout the season. A brilliant breakthrough season has grabbed the attention of a host of Premier League clubs and scouts coming to watch him in action.

Forced to play in an unfavoured wing-back role for long periods, Scott has featured 38 times showing his versatility in numerous positions. For a player of his age, his form has been consistently impressive although it did waver slightly towards the end of the season.

No doubt he has improved dramatically in a difficult campaign and has stood up to the challenges and pressures face on. A worthy winner of City's Young Player of the Year award.

Alex Scott glides across the pitch in action against Blackburn (Daniel Chesterton/JMP)

Han-Noah Massengo - 6

Looks likely to leave the club this summer without a Bristol City goal to his name. His uncertain future undoubtedly had an impact on his form towards the end of the season with Pearson keeping him out of the starting line-up.

Showed plenty of glimpses of his potential and quality in games, the away draw with Preston will stick out in the memory as one of the best performances by a City player all season. He was also excellent in the home draw with West Brom.

Frustrating in other matches when he struggled to live up to his billing and committed a number of costly errors including one in the home game with Coventry. A hugely popular figure who had the ability to contribute more offensively.

Andy King - 5

A very hard player to judge because when he was on the field, bar a few dodgy performances against Luton and Bournemouth, King was everything Pearson wanted him to be - solid, dependable, reliable and bringing leadership on the field and in the dressing room.

Alas, that reliability wasn't in terms of selection and fears around his injury record were realised with two separate hamstring surgeries that have prevented him playing a huge bulk of the season.

From King's point of view, playing for his boyhood club, leading them out in a FA Cup tie at Ashton Gate against Fulham and scoring against Middlesbrough will, whatever happens from here, be unquestionable career highlights.

Tyreeq Bakinson - 3

A major disappointment for reasons far beyond just his performances on the pitch. Injuries allowed Bakinson considerable game time around autumn and while there were some standout displays - most notably against Stoke - City's lack of midfield control around that time was ultimately a result of his inefficiency.

Pearson's comments in the build up to his departure then spoke of an individual simply not on board and while there is undoubted talent in those boots, Bakinson appeared to have positioned himself in such a way that it'll have to be harnessed somewhere else.

Callum O'Dowda - 5

Became a casualty of Pearson's ruthlessness following the defeat at Blackpool and Luton towards the end of January and February. A difficult 19-minute cameo in the 2-1 win over Reading was his last appearance of the season having picked up an injury and his drop in form.

Appeared to lose his confidence under the criticism as the season progressed. No question over his work-rate but his quality going forward was lacking having scored once and failed to register an assist throughout the campaign.

A handful of decent showings but largely underwhelmed and was outshone on Dasilva's return to the side.

Ayman Benarous - 6

A productive breakthrough season for the talented midfielder whose progress has been cruelly hampered by an ACL injury picked up in training last week that will keep him out until around Christmas.

He made 11 Championship appearances in total while four of those came in an unfavoured left wing-back role. At the age of 18, opportunities in central midfield were difficult to come by, particularly in an advanced position due to the form of Andi Weimann.

He played the full 90 minutes on two occasions, the 1-0 victory over Stoke and 3-2 defeat against Huddersfield, and there have been enough positive signs to suggest he has a bright future at the club. Also rewarded with a contract extension in February.

Andi Weimann - 10

A season where we have run out of superlatives for City's Player of the Year. The numbers speak for themselves - 22 goals and 10 assists are by far his career-best in an outstanding campaign.

His form has been the driving force for City's prolific attack that has seen the side score 62 goals across the campaign. The fact Weimann has contributed to over half of those is a remarkable feat. It also needs reminding that his form comes on the back of an ACL injury picked up last season. He also started every game and missed around 30 minutes of league action.

Extremely difficult to defend against in a central position while also showing his quality at wing-back when called upon, there's no excuse for not giving Weimann a perfect 10 and he's certainly set the bar high for next season.

Chris Martin - 8

Silenced his critics and doubters with an impressive season, proving that even at the age of 33, he still has it in him to stand up to the rigours of Championship football.

Only Weimann played more minutes for City this season with Martin playing in all-but one league fixture with a total of 43 starts. 12 league goals is commendable and his highest tally since playing for Derby in the 2015/16 season.

He also ended the season with six assists and was imperative in being the spearhead for Weimann and Semenyo. His 301 aerials won is the most in the Championship ahead of Kyle Bartley who was next with 245 - also highlighting his importance in defending his own box.

Nahki Wells - 5

The striker has fallen victim to City's attack, with Wells being forced to wait patiently to be handed his opportunity. Wells only managed seven league starts, coming off the bench on 25 occasions having scored three goals in total.

Playing bit-part matches has meant Wells has found it difficult to hit any form and find his stride. Confidence comes with goals but the 31-year-old has been unable to get a run of matches under his belt.

What has been impressive is his work and desire to get himself back in the side. Pearson has consistently praised his attitude to push himself in training and that deserves credit.

Antoine Semenyo - 8

His early season was hampered by a hamstring injury and supporters were forced to wait until the mid-way point through the season until seeing the best of the Ghanian striker.

He showed all the attributes to prove he can go to the very top and with 24 starts a return of eight goals and 12 assists highlights his potential.

Very unpredictable on the ball, Semenyo terrorised defenders at times during the season hitting two purple patches in particular. His two terrific goals at Fulham sparked a run of five goals and five assists in nine matches and then went seven games without a goal contribution.

He then returned with four assists and two goals in his final five matches of the season and City will do well to keep hold of the Ghanian over the summer.

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