NP's Bedrock.

The five players who can form the bedrock of Nigel Pearson's Bristol City next season
Should he remain in BS3, Nigel Pearson will undoubtedly want to bring his own players to Bristol City but some key individuals who remain at the club can form the foundations for next season

As we look ahead to what is bound to be a busy summer at BS3, if Nigel Pearson - as is currently expected - stays then he will look to build on the foundations of a few key men at Bristol City.

While Pearson will want to build the side his way and undoubtedly will have a list of potential recruits to help him do that, there will be a few dependables on which the manager will rely on.

We are just six games into the Pearson era and there’s already been plenty to dissect, from the 3-1 away win at Swansea to the recent 2-0 defeat to Rotherham at Ashton Gate.

That being said, here are the five players that Pearson will likely make the bedrock of his 2021/22 side should he decide to stay at Bristol City ..

Tomas Kalas
The club captain has consistently performed even through City’s worst spells under Lee Johnson and Dean Holden respectively so there is no doubt that Pearson will see him as a crucial member of the squad.

With so much Championship experience, Kalas commands the backline and as we’ve seen from recent interviews, he isn’t afraid to say things how sees them.

Kalas has made 206 second-tier appearances to date and that wealth of experience will pay dividends as City look to pursue promotion next season, as the Czech made it to the Premier League with Fulham in 2018.

This type of character will be vital to Pearson, as he looks to rebuild City’s mentality from what has ultimately been a potentially damaging 18 months.

Kasey Palmer
City’s most creative player could have a renaissance under Pearson, who has elected to start Palmer for all of his six games so far.

The City boss seems to have taken to Palmer, who’s enjoying his longest spells of consecutive starts over the last two seasons.

Involved in three goals so far, his ability to make chances and score goals is evident but next season could see him put behind an entirely new striker - should Famara Diedhiou not sign a new contract and if Pearson aims to bring in a striker of his own.

Pearson may want to bring in someone suited to Palmer’s direct and progressive style, as Palmer wants to thread balls in behind or carry the ball from deep.

If the manager sees Palmer as this attacking lynchpin, he may look to focus a new-look attack around the 24-year-old.

Antoine Semenyo
Or could that striker be the youngster Antoine Semenyo? The 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength throughout this season but scored his first Championship goal in Pearson’s managerial debut.

Semenyo has become a regular in the XI, making 37 appearances, off the back of a tricky spell last season where he was loaned out to Sunderland and many wrote him off.

However, Semenyo has answered his critics this season with a return of five goals and seven assists underplaying how important he has been to this Bristol City side.

Under Pearson, his pressing capabilities have been amplified as shown by both of his recent goals being almost a carbon copy of each other, as he chased down the opposition keeper to score.

This attitude in a young player will be relished by Pearson, who may want to work closer with the youngster going into the new season to mould him into an out-and-out striker for 2021/22.

Dan Bentley
The City shot-stopper has been as imperious as ever this season and there is no doubt that Pearson will be keen to keep hold of one of the league’s best goalkeepers.

The issue will be batting off the interest of Premier League and Championship clubs as the 27-year-old will be in high demand this summer.

This presents a problem in itself, do you cash in on the high interest of the asset to reinvest in the whole side or do you keep hold of a keeper who can save you points upon points all season long?

If you’re Pearson, the answer will likely be very simple. You keep hold of your best players and there’s a strong argument to be had that Bentley is head and shoulders above other members of the squad.

While there have been tricky spells, Bentley has always bounced back. Under Pearson, the keeper has kept two clean sheets so far and will be seen as a reliable member of the squad to build a defence in front of.

Adam Nagy
The Hungarian international started the first three games under Pearson before his appearance at QPR was cut short due to a head injury.

Since then, Nagy has had just one cameo appearance against Blackburn but long-term his importance to the side is clear. On his day, Nagy is arguably City’s best midfield option given his passing range.

Making 44 International appearances and 51 appearances in Italy’s top flight, Nagy has proved his ability to play at the top level and with the right combinations around him would thrive.

The midfield is the most competitive spot on the field at City, with Liam Walsh’s return adding to the headache for Pearson should he come into form towards the back end of the season.

Although, it’s a pleasant issue to have for a manager at the helm of any football club.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/nigel-pearson-bristol-city-season-5237484