By his own admission, Mark Sykes played too many positions last season for Oxford United. Right and left-sided forward, winger, central midfielder and right wing-back; he arrived in England as a midfielder but within two years had been turned into a utility man.
Exactly what Nigel Pearson’s plans are for the 24-year-old are unclear and, in truth, probably won’t start to be formed until well into pre-season, potentially even the 2022/23 Championship campaign itself, but that versatility could well be among the major reasons which attracted the City manager to the Northern Irishman.
Pearson loves tactically flexible players, capable of fulfilling numerous responsibilities on the field, in varied positions across different formations, often all within the space of 90 minutes.
Alex Scott, Andi Weimann, Cam Pring, Jay Dasilva, Ayman Benarous, Callum O’Dowda, Sam Bell and Nathan Baker were all players deployed in a number of positions over the course of the campaign, sometimes far removed from their specialist role.
Regarding Sykes, should the transition up the pyramid prove successful, he would brings extra attacking verve, creativity and penetration to a right-hand side that was mainly populated by Scott, learning on the job as a right wing-back, and before him George Tanner, a more orthodox defender.
If considered as what he believes is his most natural, and historic, position - in the centre of midfield - he could add further value, particularly with Kasey Palmer set to leave City and Han-Noah Massengo’s future beyond this summer uncertain. His much-admired technical skills bring some artistry to an area of the field where Pearson has bemoaned a lack of creativity.
Referencing his own words, he could also bolster an attacking department in which previous right-sided forwards - Weimann and Antoine Semenyo - have since proved themselves far more effective and beneficial to the team through the centre.
“To be honest, last year I probably played in too many positions,” Sykes told Robins TV. “But, if you ask any footballer, all they care about is being on the pitch. For me, it worked out that I was playing pretty much every game last year.
“My manager at Oxford preferred me playing on the right of a front three but I’ve always been a midfielder growing up. I ended up playing at wing-back occasionally because we did so well and we got a few results.
“So, for me it’s probably anywhere across the front three but, listen, if I’m on the pitch then I’m more than happy.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol shortly before Sykes was announced, Pearson claimed his new arrival ticked “many boxes”, which could be in reference to the wide and varied skillset he possesses but also his attitude, with the City manager wanting individuals, “with something to prove”.
Sykes admits that he didn’t expect to be playing Championship football so soon, having only moved to England in 2019 to join Oxford but appears to have been blown away by Ashton Gate and the Robins High Performance Centre, liberally using the adjective “unbelievable”.
It’s a natural step up from the third tier and Oxford where his League One starts have steadily risen from 19 in his first full season to 23 and then 36 in the campaign just gone. That gradual learning curve, he believes, coupled with a confidence in his fitness - which can surely only then be enhanced by playing at a higher level - makes him ready for life in the Championship.
"I've always had the ambition of playing in England at this level and I didn't think it would come this quick so I'm delighted. I've worked very hard to get here so hopefully we can do well this year and I can play many games,” he added.
"I'm delighted, I came over last week and met the manager, everything was positive. I've always wanted to play in the Championship and the manager was honest with me, he told me he would give me a chance here at the club so hopefully things keep moving in the right direction.
"Last season I played a lot of games, I felt like I was an important part of the team and I really enjoyed the pressure of having to produce every weekend. I feel like I am a fit person and it's all about the quality on the pitch, so if I can produce week-in-week-out hopefully I stay in the team.”
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