Grimsby Town are enjoying the best of both worlds after international's recent switch | OneFootball

Jason Dadi Svanthorsson's recent deployment as a wing-back has seen him put in some superb performances, both in attack and defensively.

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.

Having understandably taken some time to settle into a new country, culture, and style of football, the 25-year-old, who has played five times for his national team, is beginning to shine from the right-hand side, his technical qualities combined with a good engine marking him out as a real threat to opponents.

Those attributes have been tested by a recent positional change, with Mariners manager David Artell moving to a fluid back three system for Grimsby's recent victories over Bromley and Carlisle United, something Svanthórsson has passed with flying colours.

When he and his colleagues are out of possession, the former Afturelding youngster has dropped into the right wing-back role, showing 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's carried out for much of his time at Blundell Park to date.

Svanthórsson's ever-improving fitness levels have allowed him to do this, while continuing as one of Grimsby's most dangerous attacking outlets. It's noticeable how, when the Mariners are in possession, centre-back Harvey Rodgers has moved out a little into the full-back role, giving the Icelander freedom to push on into the attacking third and cause problems with his quick feet and movement to either assist others or get on the scoresheet himself.

While it may only be a short-term system shake-up, the winger has shown he's more than capable in the new role, should Artell opt for the use of a back three in the future, be that from the start or a mid-game alteration.

Svanthórsson one of two attacking wing-back options at Artell's disposal

Svanthórsson isn't the only winger at the club capable of operating as an attacking wing-back.

Though Irishman Darragh Burns, signed from MK Dons last month, has primarily been brought in to play as a more offensive wide option on the right, the 22-year-old spent last season playing as a wing-back for League of Ireland top-flight outfit Shamrock Rovers, impressing in the role.

With Tyrell Warren and Lewis Cass providing more defensively minded options for that position, Grimsby are well stocked in those areas, depending on what's required on a game by game basis.

On the other flank, Denver Hume, one of the fourth tier's best creators this season, is perfectly suited to the wing-back role that allows him more freedom to get up and down the left side at will, with the security of an extra central defender to cover behind him.

Hume's back-up, Matthew Carson, also has the ability to carry out the slightly more advanced role, while attacker Charles Vernam, now back from injury, showed his versatility by filling in the slightly deeper position towards the end of last season.

Limited forward options may see Grimsby return to the previously used 4-2-3-1 system

Recent matches have seen experienced striker Danny Rose and young Coventry City loanee Justin Obikwu pair up in attack for Grimsby, to ruthless effect.

Rose has scored in each of his last three games, while Obikwu has netted in his last two, helping their side to seven points from their last three League Two matches.

The duo work well together, with Obikwu's mobility and Rose's nous causing opposing sides a real threat throughout. It's something that the Mariners' fans have enjoyed seeing, and it would seem a little counterproductive to move away from that right now.

One issue, however, is Grimsby's lack of depth in forward areas. While the aforementioned pair are flourishing, there's very little back-up should either get injured or require resting.

Donovan Wilson is out of the picture, while youngster Cameron Gardner is currently nursing an injury. With fringe forward Rekeil Pyke having departed Blundell Park, joining National League Eastleigh on loan for the remainder of the campaign, Artell is a little short of genuine striking options.

Vernam has been used as an auxiliary forward from the bench in recent matches to good effect, as his pace and trickery cause tiring defenders problems on the counter. He's not a natural striker, though, and it's one position that the Grimsby manager is going to have to monitor closely over the final few months of the season.

It's likely that, for one reason or another, Artell will return to his favoured formation at some point soon. One thing is for certain, however, Svanthórsson is really starting to look the part, and appears equally capable of operating in multiple roles, giving the Mariners boss greater tactical freedom.