- Toure has had a dream start at Norwich – scoring four goals in four league games
- Makama though, ranks in the top 1% for goals across all strikers in the Championship
- Toure offers unpredictability, but Makama offers a consistent goal threat
Norwich City’s striker debate has quickly become one of the most intriguing selection dilemmas in the Sky Bet Championship.
With two in-form options in Mohamed Toure and Jovon Makama – both of whom are currently injured – the question is not simply who is scoring more, but who better suits the team’s overall attacking structure under Philippe Clement.
Mo Mo, Mo Mo ,Mo Mo…
Toure’s recent form is impossible to ignore. Four goals and one assist in just four games is elite output by any standard. Beyond raw numbers, his all-around play stands out.
Ranking in the top 13% for successful passes among Championship strikers shows he contributes meaningfully to build-up play, while also being in the top 12% ranking for successful dribbles shows his ability to beat defenders and create chances independently. These qualities make him a dynamic, modern forward – comfortable dropping deep, linking play, and progressing the ball.
However, there is a caveat: sample size. Five games, while impressive, is a short window. His ranking in the top 28% for goals across all strikers suggests that, over a longer period, his output may normalise. The question for Clement is if his Australian striker is having a sustained breakout or a temporary purple patch.
Makama again olé olé
Makama, by contrast, offers consistency across a much larger sample. Ten goals in 28 games places him in the top 1% of Championship strikers – a remarkable statistic that speaks to sustained productivity. His presence in the top 4% for aerial duels won adds another dimension: he is a physical focal point, capable of holding up play and providing an outlet for direct passes.
Additionally, his rankings in shots on target (top 14%) and touches in the opposition box (top 12%) indicate a striker who is constantly involved in dangerous areas.
Tactically, Makama appears to be the more traditional number nine – reliable, physically dominant, and consistently in scoring positions. Toure, on the other hand, offers fluidity and unpredictability, which can be particularly valuable against deep defensive blocks. Just look at his hat-trick against Oxford United.
Ultimately, the decision depends on Norwich’s style and priorities. If they want a focal point that guarantees consistent goal threat over time, Makama is the safer choice. If they want explosiveness, creativity, and a striker who can change games in multiple ways, Toure has the edge.
Freddie’s verdict:
For me, Makama should be the one starting. Mainly for his consistency and elite goal-scoring over the season, even in the troublesome times of Liam Manning. But Toure’s current form makes him impossible to ignore, and he should be pushing hard for regular starts.
