Alex Neil has spoken about how impressed he has been of loan signing Dieumerci Mbokani’s Norwich City impact.
Mbokani was key in Norwich’s win over Swansea at the weekend, coming on from the bench to assist Jonny Howson’s winning goal.
Yeah, he was a monster when he came on. He is a big boy. I thought he did great. His strength, his power, gave us a different dimension and he was excellent. I thought he made a real difference and he set his stall out in the first few seconds when the ball came up to him and he held it up and was big and strong
Mbokani has seen limited action since signing from Dynamo Kiev, with only two first team starts under his belt. However, he has been lethal from the bench, notching a goal in his first match against Leicester, and also assisting Howson at the weekend.
It was unfortunate we’ve not had him available for the last two weeks through illness although to be honest he wouldn’t have played at Manchester City. I felt that game was more suited to Cameron (Jerome) so he wouldn’t have played regardless, but he can be a big player for us this season. He gets himself free at the back post and Jonny is in the danger area to react and put it in.
Neil also talked about how Mbokani has been great at the other end of the pitch as well. With the 29-year-old showing his strength and heading ability in defence.
He is 6ft 3in and built like a bear so of course he is going to be good in the air,” said Neil. “In all the games he has played he has been a big threat in both boxes. When he is in the team we obviously become a bigger side, which helps us defensively. He always comes back for set pieces and you saw at the end he was there at our back post because that was his man to mark.
It is yet unknown if Mbokani will get the go ahead for the away trip to Chelsea after the international break. However, after Saturday’s performance, it is looking very likely.
