Tyreeq Bakinson - City’s tough-tackling midfielder hoping to lead like Patrick Viera

Tyreeq Bakinson is the man of the moment for Bristol City right now, a match-winning goal in his half century of appearances, has been topped off with a new contract, all in less than a week.

Bakinson will remain at Ashton Gate until the end of the 2022/23 season, which will take his years of service to six years.

The 23-year-old though only emerged on the scene for the Robins last season, having made 39 appearances altogether.

Bakinson was entrusted by Nigel Pearson last campaign but as with many managers, they like to work with players they’ve managed before.

Andy King, a Premier League winner at Leicester City, as well as Matty James, a long servant, were both brought in his position.

It meant his first league start wouldn’t come till Queens Park Rangers back in mid-September.

But despite the recruitment of two established players, he has forced his way back into the fold and now is one of the first names on the team sheet.

Asked by BristolWorld whether central midfield is the toughest position to get into, he responded: “There is great competition in there but that’s great for the midfield in our team.

“Good competition means you have to work hard in training, you have to be on your game all the time to get in, so it’s a good thing for us.”

Bakinson, still regarded as a young midfielder, is still trying to create his own identity as a footballer.

In the world of football, comparisons can always be drawn and that can be created by players themselves, who aspire to be like certain professionals growing up

For the Camden-born midfielder, he grew up watching Arsenal legend Patrick Viera, who is now manager of Crystal Palace.

Given Viera’s ability to lead, firstly as a captain of the Gunners, as well as the French national team, Bakinson is hoping to develop his own leadership qualities.

There are players in the World Cup and the Champions League that you want to model your game around to see how they’re doing to get to the top,” Bakinson said.

‘I’m a big fan of Patrick Viera who played before. He’s one of my favourites.

‘The gaffer brought in players like Andy King and Matt James who are experienced characters. You can learn from anyone, whether they’re younger or older, it helps.”

Asked whether he sees himself as a player who can help lead and guide other players, like Benarous, he said: “I’d hope so. They are great players as they are already, hopefully they can carry on with that.

“Hopefully there are some things that I can help them with whether it is on-or-off the pitch, because I’ve been through that already.

“I’m really enjoying it. It’s good to have that energy and willingness to want to learn and play together. Alex Scott and Ayman Benarous are both great players with a lot of potential and it’s a joy to watch and play alongside.

“I feel we have a lot of great young players coming through here.”

Bristolian Benarous has emerged from the academy structure, is just one player that Tyreeq could share his experiences with, given their similar position.

Bakinson had a few senior outings at Luton, but was later signed by City, where he played in the Under-23’s setup, like Benarous.

Two loans at Newport County and Plymouth Argyle, where he was playing for teams chasing promotion helped equip him for Championship football last season.

Benarous may remain at City without needing to go out on loan, but for any other players coming through, the suggestion is to take the opportunity of a temporary departure to prepare you.

“For me personally, I’d say it was loan football. At your own age it’s easier, there isn’t as much pressure, there are no fans, there are no points, it’s more of a relaxed kind of environment.

“Throwing yourself into men’s football, everything is on the line, fans are shouting, it’s a more realistic environment to learn it. It was more beneficial for my progression.”

In terms of development, Bakinson’s own game has developed over such a short space of time.

He is a player who has had to become streetwise quickly, especially when preserving energy in the midfield.

So far he has been able to adapt to the chances Nigel Pearson has laid out in front of him.

He reflected on the changes which have brought him his recent success: “It’s been quite a lot to do with the physical aspect of the game.

“I’m running more, whereas mentally it is defensive duties, being solid and hard to beat, as well as going up-and-down the field.

“It’s not just about focusing on staying in one place. It’s about going all around the pitch and being able to come back, as well as communication which has been the most important thing for me is to try and adapt.

“I need to do the things that the manager wants. Physically running is a big part.”