Scott Twine: Bristol City’s Midfield Dynamo

Few players in the modern game embody the blend of creativity, precision, and work ethic quite like Scott Twine. Emerging from academy football into the professional ranks, Twine has steadily built a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and tactically intelligent attacking midfielders in the EFL. Known for his ability to unlock defences with incisive passing, exceptional set-piece delivery, and a knack for arriving in key attacking areas, Twine has proven to be more than just a playmaker —he is a consistent difference-maker on the pitch. 

Career

Twine started his journey at Swindon Town, where he climbed the academy ranks and signed on as a professional in 2017. Twine was sent out on loan four times during his five years at Swindon. First to Chippenham Town in the National League South (where he would return two seasons later), as well as Waterford and Newport County.

He was awarded with Young Player of the Season at Newport County after only 19 appearances for the club. They were short spells, gifting him only 56 appearances over four years. His return to Chippenham Town in 2020 was short lived but stats wise, the pick of the bunch after he netted six times in just eight games. 

In 2021, Twine signed a long-term contract with MK Dons after turning down a new deal at Swindon. This turned out to be the move that put him on the map.  Twine found the net on his league debut with a free-kick and bagged his first career hat-trick just weeks after in a 3-3 draw with Fleetwood Town. Fast forward to December, and Twine was named EFL League 1 Player of the Month following 7 G/As in just 4 appearances. 

Twine continued to impress throughout the season and quickly became a fan favourite with The Dons. During MK’s final game of the 21/22 campaign he capped off a stellar season, scoring 4 goals in a 5-0 win at Plymouth Argyle. This took his tally to 20 for the season, and it came as no surprise that Twine was named EFL League 1 Player of the Season. Twine was also included in both the EFL’S League 1 Team of the Season and PFA Team of the Year. 

During the summer of 2022, Twine became one of the most sought-after talents outside the Premier League, with several clubs eager to secure his signature. Ultimately it was Burnley who won the race, convincing Twine to join their ambitious project – a move that signalled his readiness to shine on a bigger stage. Twine was signed for £4,000,000 but only returned to full fitness in December after picking up an injury in pre-season. He got off the mark in Burnley colours in the New Year of 2023, with a trademark freekick against West Brom. 

Twine only managed 18 appearances for Burnley in the Championship and cup competitions. Twine then enjoyed two more loan spells to Hull City and Bristol City, making 35 appearances – 25 at Hull & 10 at Bristol. After impressing at Bristol, the club made no secret of their desire to keep him, and head coach Liam Manning offered Twine a permanent deal. Twine previously played under Manning during his time at MK Dons and accepted The Robins’ four-year contract offer. 

Fast forward to today, Twine has played his part in keeping Bristol unbeaten at the start of the 25/26 campaign with two goals and an assist on their opening weekend win against Sheffield Utd. 

Playing Style

Twine is an extremely versatile player. He possesses high quality in all areas a first-class attacking player should – vision, set pieces, long range finishing, technique, pressing. 

His positional versatility has been used by managers at most clubs he has played for. Twine is often deployed as an attacking midfielder but can also play as a winger or No.9. His most common position is the No.10 role. He operates so well in half spaces and is probably Bristol’s biggest goal threat outside of the box. 

As well as scoring goals, Twine is often the architect behind creating them too. During his time at MK Dons, he finished the season as one of the leading chance creators in the league. His incise passing and ability to switch play quickly will give Bristol City attacking variety. These were two assets of his game that often pulled apart compact defensive setups while he was at MK Dons. 

One of the main reasons Vincent Kompany signed Twine at Burnley was for his positional intelligence. He drifts between the lines of opposition defence and midfield, operating comfortably as an attacking midfielder or from wide. This flexibility would have given Kompany confidence in his plan of rebuilding a fluid, possession-based side. Twine’s Burnley career was short lived due to injuries, but during his appearances for the club he showed flashes of his ability to change the dynamic and tempo of matches by finding advanced pockets in front of opposition back lines. 

Twine has also been praised for his work ethic and relentless pressing off the ball. His work rate is never questioned; however, some critics and fans have argued that his pressing technique is poor, and he often struggles to screen passes from the final third of the pitch. 

Comparison chart of Twine’s mentioned attributes alongside Championship averages:

Set-Pieces

Few players outside the Premier League have built a reputation for set-piece brilliance quite like Scott Twine. Renowned for his accuracy, creativity, and confidence from dead-ball situations, Twine has consistently turned free-kicks and corners into decisive moments.

Since 2019/20 Twine has the best record of any player across the top four tiers of English football according to Opta, with 15 direct free-kick goals – a conversion rate of 13%.

When looking at his Championship career alone, Twine’s conversion rate is even higher. Since the 13/14 season he has scored 6 direct free kicks, at a conversion rate of 17% which is the highest in the division. 

Top Free-kick Goal Scorers

Source: Opta

Scott Twine FK Rate vs Europe’s Top Leagues 

Conclusion

Scott Twine’s journey through the English football pyramid is a testament to talent, and continuous development. From his emergence at MK Dons, where his creativity and eye for goal first gained the attention of big clubs, to his move to Burnley, Twine has consistently shown that he possesses qualities which set him apart from many players outside of the Premier League. His ability to influence games through set pieces, long-range efforts, and final third link up play make him a difference maker. 

With many years left of his footballing career, he demonstrates decision-making, and composure usually associated with more experienced professionals. Twine picks his moments and knows when to drive his team forward or recycle possession. His adaptability, whether operating centrally as a creative midfielder or drifting wide to exploit space, makes him an asset for managers seeking flexibility in attacking systems.

Looking ahead, it is natural to consider whether Twine has what it takes to compete in the Premier League. On evidence so far, the answer is promising. His technical ability, combined with his consistency in output suggests he has the tools to make the step up. His set-piece expertise give him a unique edge, providing a weapon that can prove invaluable at the highest level of the game. The obvious comparison here is the hush heard around Premier League stadiums when James Ward-Prowse steps over a free-kick in range. 

If Twine continues his upward trajectory and adapts to the increasing pace and demands of top-flight football, there is every chance that he could establish himself as a Premier League player. In many ways, his career feels like it is only just beginning. 

By: Ben Watkins / @90PlusFour

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Pete Norton – Getty Images