After a somewhat ‘solid’ season in the Championship, Norwich return to the Premier League with a defense almost identical to that of last season. And this I believe could cause major problems for the Canaries, and see us scrap for points week-in-week-out! In this piece I will share my views on the current defenders in the Norwich squad.
Left-back – No need for improvement
Martin Olsson – Without a shadow of doubt, Olsson is the first choice left-back for Norwich. He has Premier League experience in the position, and with that experience comes skill. I feel that when Olsson is at full fitness, he is no doubt one of the first names on the team-sheet. He has rapid pace enabling him to keep up with even the fastest and most technical wingers in the division.
Robbie Brady- Having signed for Norwich in the summer for a fee thought to be around £7 million, the former Hull player can play almost anywhere down the left hand side of the field. Robbie has admitted himself that he prefers to play further up the pitch, in a more attacking role. However, as shown against Crystal Palace, we have seen the capability of Brady at LB, as he managed to keep startlet Wilfried Zaha quiet.
I don’t feel that there is any need to spend on improving the LB position, with Brady and Olsson already within the squad, and back up such as the likes of young Harry Toffolo.
Centre-back – Needs to be improved
Russell Martin – Unfortunately, I see Russ as the ‘weak link’ in the defense. The Scotsman in my opinion is a natural born and bred right-back, but unfortunately, in the last year we have seen the captain being forced to play a central role. Martin is a liability at center-half, and this is why in the last year, Martin has drawn so much criticism from fans and pundits alike. He cannot play CB, as he is constantly beaten in the air, and turned way too easily! He fails to command the defence, causing a weak line, and leaving gaps in behind. In my opinion, Russel Martin has to be dropped from the center back position, and moved back to right-back!
Sébastien Bassong – After a sticky season under former manager Chris Hughton, Bassong found himself out of favor under Neil Adams. This led to his departure to Watford on loan. As soon as he was forced out of the club, I immediately said that we were to regret the decision…Big Seb came back upon the arrival of current skipper Alex Neil, and proved all his critics wrong! He was vital in helping us to get to where we stand today, without him, we would’ve continued to leak goals in the Championship campaign. Bassong is by a mile our best defender, and will no doubt hold his place in the team. No doubts of Seb, he just needs some one to partner him!
Michael Turner – For me, Turner is past his sell-by-date! The Englishman was sent out on loan at the end of last season, suggesting that Neil does not value him as an important asset, and I would have to agree. Turner is another level of slow, and this leads to players constantly getting in behind the Norwich defence. He is no longer Premier League standard, but could be useful as a back up.
Ryan Bennett – Ryan Bennett has potential, and lots of it. However, his prone to injury manner seems to prevent him from fulfilling it. After his serious and long term injury obtained against Ipswich early last season, the center-half has struggled to stake a claim in the starting XI since. I personally feel that Bennett is a 50/50 player, he could either excel and become one of our best, or, the complete opposite direction and be stricken with injury leading to a disappointing career. But, I certainly think that Bennett does have a future at the club, and we could see him feature if we haven’t drafted in a new center-half come the end of August.
We definately have to bring in a new CB, as this is the part of the defence where all of our problems root from. We have to fix the problem, or goals will continue to be leaked. Martin has to be either moved back to right-back, or dropped completely, he is too much of a liability at center half. The easy fix, is to bring in a center-half, with names such as Virgil van Dijk rumoured.
Right-back – No need for improvement
Steven Whittaker – Under Neil, it seems Whittaker is first choice RB, something myself and many others are in complete disagreement with! Whittaker is unreliable and makes one too many mistakes! The Scotsman should not be played in the future, if we want to prevent goals and dangerous balls from being taken from the right channel. I feel that Whittaker is beaten to easily due to a lack of strength, and that he is also lacking intelligence as he is often caught ball watching, and out of position. Whittaker has improved a lot under Neil, but I personally would still rather see somebody else take his place.
Andre Wisdom – I have very little to say on Wisdom, as the new man has only just arrived. However, what I can say is that he is a promising player of whom is proven at this level. Judging from his time at West Brom, I would certainly give the lad the green light ahead of Whittaker. It excites me to see what Andre can bring to the team, as I feel the prospect of his link up play with Redmond could provide a high threat.
I feel the RB situation has already been taken care of with the arrival of loanee Andre Wisdom. I personally believe that once we bring in a center-half, we should move Martin back to right-back, and provide Wisdom as the back up, leaving Whittaker to improve in training, and ensuring he will work hard to fight for a place. Until Whittaker has drastically improved, I believe he has no place in this Norwich side.
To Conclude…
So, in conclusion to this, I want to see us buy in a new center half before the window closes as a replacement for the vulnerable Martin. I would also then like to see Russ moved back to right back, with Wisdom as back up. This will then mean Whittaker will have to work hard and prove that he is good enough, which I believe will be good for the fans as we will finally get a definitive answer as to his quality. My prefered defence would be as followed:
Olsson, Bassong, New center half, Martin
Do you agree with me in saying that Russell Martin should be moved back to RB, making room for a center-half to be drafted in?
