Blackburn Rovers coach explains why Nigeria’s Ryan Alebiosu won’t move to right wing for Gady Beyuku

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has explained why Nigeria international Ryan Alebiosu is unlikely to be moved into a right-wing role despite the arrival of new signing Gady Beyuku.

Alebiosu has emerged as an important player for Blackburn since joining the club from Belgian side Kortrijk in the summer of 2025, following a productive loan spell in Scotland.

The former Arsenal full-back has impressed with his pace, attacking drive and ability to influence games from deep, while continuing to offer defensive stability on the right side of the Rovers backline.

With Beyuku also operating as a right-back, there has been the possibility of the two players featuring together, potentially with Alebiosu pushed further forward.

However, Mowbray believes such a switch could prevent the Nigerian from making the most of the qualities that have made him effective at Blackburn.

Mowbray backs Alebiosu’s natural game

Speaking ahead of Blackburn’s meeting with Millwall, Mowbray admitted that the two right-backs could play together but stressed that Alebiosu’s greatest threat comes when he attacks from deep.

“Well, they’re both right backs,” Mowbray was quoted as saying by Lancashire Telegraph.

“It wouldn’t be the first time (two have played together). You can see Alebiosu is effective carrying the ball.

“I get asked all the time, can we push Alebiosu up one more, play him as a right winger? Yeah, we could do.

“But you take away that his best moments really are when he starts running from deep, and the space is in front of him. The ball goes into that space, and he is galloping.”

Mowbray believes Alebiosu’s effectiveness is closely linked to the momentum he generates before reaching the final third.

Rather than relying on quick movements from a standing position to beat defenders, the Nigerian is at his most dangerous when he has room to accelerate and attack opponents with his stride.

“He is not a guy who really stands still, steps over, and goes past you with immediate speed. He needs to be in his stride really to get the best out of him,” he added.

“It’s easy to say to me, why don’t you play Alebiosu on the right wing and put the right back behind him? You’re playing him out of position, basically.”

Rovers want attacking right-back

Mowbray’s comments underline his belief that Alebiosu can develop into an influential modern full-back rather than being converted into a winger.

The Blackburn manager expects the Nigerian to continue using his pace to get beyond defensive lines and provide service from wide areas.

“He’s going to make his career from being a right back that gallops up and down that right wing and gets beyond the last line of defence and puts the ball in the box.”

Alebiosu has already made a promising start to the new campaign, registering one assist in seven appearances across all competitions.

With Blackburn facing Millwall, the Nigeria international will be hoping to maintain his place in Mowbray’s side and continue developing in the role the manager believes best suits his game.