Norwich City announced their second summer signing earlier this week in the form of experienced central midfielder, Youssouf Mulumbu, from West Bromwich Albion. Mulumbu’s arrival was greeted with praise from vast majority of City fans and many see this as a key acquisition to hopes of avoiding relegation from the Premier League. In this article, I will examine five things that the tough tackling midfielder will bring to Carrow Road.
1. Survival Experience
Having been at West Brom since 2009, Mulumbu has played an important role in helping keep the West Midlands club in the Premier League for the last five seasons, including a very impressive finish of 8th place in 2012-13. His knowledge of how to dig deep in games and grind out a result could prove vital.
2. Competition for Alex Tettey
It’s common knowledge that City’s midfield is by far the strongest area of the team. However, the player he is most similar to is Norwegian Alex Tettey and it has been suggested by some that Mulumbu is here to replace him. But having competition for places is healthy and this doesn’t mean we should get rid of Tettey. I believe that the two powerhouses will bring the best out of each other and give Alex Neil a positive selection headache.
3. New Fans
One thing Canary fans can be sure about is that we will not only be welcoming Mulumbu to our fine club. We will also attract a Democratic Republic of Congo following as they see Mulumbu as something of an ‘A-list celebrity’ as confirmed by him in an interview back in 2011. We haven’t just signed anyone, we’ve signed the David Beckham of Congo, beat that Ipswich.
4. Will hit the ground running
Having been a teammate of Graham Dorrans at West Brom, this will enable Mulumbu to settle in more easily and help him concentrate on his performances. Knowing the league as well as he does will benefit him greatly and I fully expect him to start the season strong.
5. A temper
Now for all his good attributes; there is one negative. Mulumbu has a temper. In April, he was sent off for elbowing Joey Barton in a 4-1 defeat to QPR, just 12 minutes after coming on as a substitute. He was also sent off for drop kicking a ball at Gary O’Neil in March 2013, his now teammate at City. However, despite these two incidents Mulumbu is renowned as being a tough-tackling midfield enforcer and there aren’t many players that look forward to facing him.
Having signed Youssouf Mulumbu on a two-year deal and on a free transfer, this highlights a good piece of business for the club. If Mulumbu can help steady the City ship to safety come May, then it could be the shrewdest move of the season.
