With the return of Premier League football just around the corner, Norwich know that strengthening in key areas is paramount to survival hopes. Here, I will run the rule over our current best eleven players and outline positions that Alex Neil could improve on.
John Ruddy – Goalkeeper
The undisputed number one, Ruddy, has been a mainstay in the team since signing from Everton in 2010. A strong and imposing figure in the City goal, he has bounced back time and time again from criticism with big performances when its mattered most. Having been linked with Chelsea for a second time, Norwich know that they must retain the big shot-stopper to give us the best chance of staying up.
Martin Olsson – Left Back
The Swedish international left back is blessed with lightening pace and has been a key part of Alex Neil’s team despite almost moving to West Brom on the final day of the January transfer window. And thank goodness he did; for he played an important part in helping us get back to where we belong. With fellow left back Javier Garrido already having left the club, we are short of players in that position and keeping Olsson is a must.
Sebastian Bassong – Centre Back
Cast out by Neil Adams to fellow promotion rivals Watford at the start of last season, Bassong’s Norwich City future looked bleak at best. However, the one-time Player of the Year fought his way back into the first team fold excellently after being given a fresh start since Alex Neil’s arrival in January. Having played his part in two promotions last season, the strong centre back is experienced enough to have another crack at England’s elite.
Russell Martin – Centre Back
Now, I love our captain Russell Martin as much as the next City fan but you can’t help but feel that he was suspect to errors on more than one occasion last season. Martin has proved to be a fantastic servant to the club but I feel that if we are to have any realistic chance of staying up then a proven central defender is a must. This was an area we struggled with massively last season with Hoovield, Turner and Ryan Bennett all not performing well enough when called upon. However, I believe Martin deserves a chance and should still be challenging for a first-team place, even if a replacement is bought.
Steven Whittaker – Right Back
The Scottish right back has improved massively as the season has progressed but he’s still not good enough for the Premier League. I feel that Whittaker will be out of his depth in the this season and a younger, more mobile version is required. This is arguably our weakest position in the team and recent rumours of DeAndre Yedlin on a season-long loan from Tottenham could be an excellent addition.
Yousouff Mulumbu – Centre Midfielder
Newly-signed midfielder, Mulumbu, is a tough-tackling midfield powerhouse who loves to get stuck in and I fully expect him to sit in front of the defenders, breaking up the play and launching attacks. Mulumbu’s experience and no nonsense attitude is exactly what we need and will inject confidence in the back four knowing that someone of his quality is in front of them. Pair Mulumbu with Bradley Johnson or Alex Tettey and the centre of the park is looking pretty formidable indeed.
Alex Tettey – Centre Midfielder
We are very well equipped in the centre midfield area with Andreu, O’Neil, Dorrans and Olijida-Ofoe (remember him?) on the outskirts of the team and don’t quite make it into my top eleven, with Olijida and Andreu in particular, not been given a fair crack of the whip so far. However, I believe that the signing of Mulumbu will help Tettey’s game no end and make him a better player. Already a strong midfielder who loves to tackle, we have a very physical partnership shaping up that other teams will dread facing.
Bradley Johnson – Left Midfielder
Choosing midfielders in this City line-up is so difficult given the amount of quality this squad possesses but it was impossible for me to leave out ‘Super Brad’ after the season he’s enjoyed. Having netted a very impressive 15 times from all over midfield last term, it is hoped he will bring his rich vein of form with him into the Premier League. Blessed with a range of passing and an eye for goal as Ipswich fans are well aware, Johnson has become a firm fans favourite. But with competition for places so high, the reigning Player of the Year will have his work cut out to ensure he stays in the team. However, as Johnson isn’t your typical left winger, I fully expect Alex Neil to improve that position and hopefully bring in someone with Premier League experience. But, a special mention to Josh Murphy who I hope goes out on loan and comes back a more complete player.
Nathan Redmond – Right Winger
The England Under 21 international has become a more rounded and better player this season and playing in the Championship for a year has benefited Redmond the most. As the season has gone on, he has become a more confident and accomplished player with a better end product, something which has hindered his game in the past. Redmond has had his critics for his lack of goals but he showed them where to go with his playoffs displays which included two goals, one of which was arguably the best of the season, against Middlesborough. These performances haven’t gone unnoticed and Liverpool are rumoured to have taken an interest in him so it is Alex Neil’s job to ensure that Redmond stays put. His rival for a right midfield spot is currently Elliot Bennett but I believe after extensive injury problems, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was allowed to leave.
Jonny Howson – Attacking Midfielder
I like Jonny Howson a lot and feel that he keeps going from strength to strength as an attacking midfielder. Having completed his best goal return in a City shirt with 9 goals, I think Howson has a lot more to offer. With long serving playmaker Wes Hoolahan nearing the end of his career at 33 years of age, I believe Howson is set for a more prominent role behind the striker. Howson has all the attributes to be a quality player and if he can utilise those abilities correctly this season then it will benefit our cause greatly.
Cameron Jerome – Striker
There was a few eyebrows raised when it was announced that Jerome was starting against Middlesborough in the Play-Off Final instead of Lewis Grabben. However, he silenced those critics with an early goal to put us on course for promotion. Having plundered 21 goals in all competitions last season, he makes it into my striker position because I believe he is more consistent than Gary Hooper and Lewis Grabben. Hooper found himself to be a peripheral figure at times and it always seemed like he was forced to make an impact from the bench, something that didn’t help his cause. However, although I like Jerome, his Premier League record isn’t great and buying a proven Premier League goalscorer has to be a priority. After the risk backfired massively on Ricky van Wolfswinkel two years ago, we can’t afford to make the same mistakes and I’m confident Alex Neil won’t let that happen.
So our team is shaping up quite well isn’t it? Well, on paper anyway. I believe only four or five new faces are needed but with summer only just beginning and the transfer window not even officially open until 1st July; you can be sure that this first eleven will change before the first ball is kicked against Crystal Palace on Saturday 8th August. I can’t wait.
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