I don’t think I’m alone when I say Curtis Davies has been a rock this season. Birmingham City have built their teams based on a solid centre half pairing for a while, and this season has been no exception. Based on pure skill and technique, I think Curtis is probably one of the best (if not the best) centre-backs in the division. What’s been pleasing is that Davies has shown that in his performances for the team.

Davies is one of those centre backs who puts his body where it hurts to help the team. It doesn’t matter who he is up against, or what the situation is, Davies will do his best for the team. Apparently on the team coach returning from Stamford Bridge, Curtis had to hold his shorts out of the door and shake them, so deep was Torres in his pocket. When Drogba came on, Davies just carried on doing what he’d been doing all game, and kept the Ivorian out of the game too. He’s been doing it all season.

Then there are the goals. Having a centre-back who can trot forward for corners, win his share of headers and chip in with five or more goals a season is a bonus to a team like Blues. Every time Blues get a corner you get the feeling Curtis could make it count for us; he’s that much of a threat. The thing is, he’s not just about a strong header at the back post either; I’ve seen him rescue deep corners with a header back into the mixer, I’ve seen him win the ball and play it wide for someone to cross it in; hell – when he went for the overhead kick attempt against Chelsea I was almost surprised it hadn’t come off.

As a centre-back his stock in trade is stopping goals however, and I think he’s been immense this season in that department. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve come out of games where I’ve marvelled at his tackling, his distribution and his marking of forwards. He’s formed a very good partnership with Steven Caldwell and I think the combination of Davies’ pace and bravery with Caldwell’s positioning and intelligence have served the club well.

I’ll be honest and say that I thought Davies may get snapped up in the January window; he is too good for this division and I fear that if Blues don’t go up we will see him leave for a decent Premier League side. If that comes to pass however, I don’t think we can begrudge him it; as a player he’s given us tremendous service this year and he’s embodied everything I think Blues fans ask for – he gives his all for the team and he doesn’t stop giving until the final whistle. If a player does that all season then it’s only natural that they should be nominated for player of the season.

Voting begins tomorrow.

Curtis Davies stats – 41 games, 5 goals, 7 yellow cards, 1 red card.

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