Icelandic wide player Jason Dadi Svanthórsson has grown in stature and fitness since his summer move to Grimsby Town from native top-flight club Breidablik, and a recent shift into the wing-back role has seen him go from strength to strength, comfortably fulfilling his defensive duties, while remaining one of his side’s key creators when on the front foot.
After taking some time to adjust to a new country, culture, and football style, the 25-year-old, who has played five times for his national team, is starting to shine from the right side, with his technical abilities combined with a strong engine establishing him as a real threat to opponents.
| Jason Dadi Svanthórsson’s Grimsby statistics to date (12/02/25), as per Transfermarkt | |
|---|---|
| Statistic | Total |
| Games Played | 31 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
| YC’s | 4 |
| RC’s | 0 |
| Total Minutes Played | 1,960′ |
Those qualities have been tested by a recent positional change, with Mariners manager David Artell switching to a fluid back three formation for Grimsby’s recent triumphs against Bromley and Carlisle United, which Svanthórsson has handled admirably.
When he and his teammates are out of possession, the former Afturelding youngster has moved to right wing-back, demonstrating a desire and discipline to help his teammates stifle the opposition and win the ball back from the slightly unusual, deeper position in comparison to the wide attacking role he has played for much of his time at Blundell Park.
Svanthórsson’s steadily increasing fitness levels have enabled him to do so while remaining one of Grimsby’s most dangerous attacking options. It’s noticeable how, when the Mariners have possession, centre-back Harvey Rodgers has moved out slightly into the full-back role, allowing the Icelander to push on into the attacking third and cause problems with his quick feet and movement to either assist others or score himself.
While it may only be a short-term system change, the winger has demonstrated that he is more than capable in the new role, should Artell decide to utilize a back three in the future, whether from the start or as a mid-game substitution.
Svanthórsson one of two attacking wing-back options at Artell’s disposal
Svanthórsson isn’t the club’s only winger capable of playing as an attacking wing-back.
Though Irishman Darragh Burns, who joined from MK Dons last month, has mostly been brought in to play as a more offensive wide option on the right, the 22-year-old spent last season impressing as a wing-back for League of Ireland top-flight club Shamrock Rovers.
Tyrell Warren and Lewis Cass provide more defensively minded options for that position, thus Grimsby is well-stocked in those areas, depending on what is needed on a game-by-game basis.
On the opposite flank, Denver Hume, one of the fourth tier’s top creators this season, is ideal for the wing-back position, which allows him to move freely up and down the left side while being protected by an extra central defender behind him.
Hume’s backup, Matthew Carson, can also play the somewhat more advanced role, and forward Charles Vernam, who has returned from injury, demonstrated his versatility by filling in the slightly deeper position near the conclusion of the previous season.
Limited forward options may see Grimsby return to the previously used 4-2-3-1 system
Grimsby’s recent encounters have seen experienced striker Danny Rose and youthful Coventry City loanee Justin Obikwu form a lethal attacking partnership.
Rose has scored in each of his previous three games, while Obikwu has scored in two of them, bringing their team’s total to seven points from their last three League Two games.
The duo works well together, with Obikwu’s mobility and Rose’s intelligence making opposing sides a real threat throughout. It’s something Mariners fans have enjoyed seeing, and it seems counterproductive to change that now.
One issue is Grimsby’s lack of depth in the offensive areas. While the aforementioned couple are doing well, there is little backup in case one of them is hurt or has to relax.
Donovan Wilson has been ruled out, and youngster Cameron Gardner is now injured. With peripheral attacker Rekeil Pyke leaving Blundell Park to join National League Eastleigh on loan for the rest of the season, Artell is a little short on genuine attacking alternatives.
Vernam has been an effective supplemental forward off the bench in recent games, as his pace and cleverness cause tired defenders difficulties on the counter. He is not a natural striker, however, and the Grimsby boss will need to keep a careful eye on this position in the coming months.
For whatever reason, Artell is expected to return to his preferred shape soon. One thing is certain: Svanthórsson is starting to look the part, and he appears to be equally capable of working in numerous roles, providing the Mariners manager more tactical leeway.
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