- Maghoma and Slimane offer Norwich City distinct tactical profiles.
- Maghoma leads elite creativity metrics despite having lower output.
- Slimane provides greater efficiency through finishing and physicality.
Norwich City’s recent upturn in form has given manager Philippe Clement a real headache over his team selection. None more so than in the ‘number 10’ position just behind the striker.
His two main choices during his tenure as Norwich manager, Paris Maghoma and Anis Ben Slimane, offer contrasting strengths. We at ReadNorwich take a deeper look at who we think Clement should be starting.
Paris in springtime
Maghoma’s numbers immediately point to a player who is heavily focused on attacking build-up. Despite scoring just one goal and registering one assist in his eight league appearances, his underlying numbers are exceptional. Maghoma ranks in the top 10% for touches among attacking midfielders, which seems obvious when you see how he’s constantly on the ball and central to Norwich’s attacking phases.
Quite amazingly, he sits in the top 1% for chances created for players in his position in the league, highlighting his vision and ability to unlock defences. Add to that his top 2% ranking for shot attempts, and it becomes clear he is not only a creator but a player eager to get on the scoresheet.
Ultimately, Maghoma is a playmaker – he drives Norwich forward, is happy to take risks, and consistently puts himself in the right positions. His downside, however, is efficiency. Only one goal and one assist show that he and his teammates are not converting the chances he creates. In the results-driven game that football is, that lack of output can be costly. But his sample size is small, and before coming to Norwich, he hadn’t played any football since April of last year.
Slimane the all-rounder
Slimane is a more direct and productive player. His five goals and one assist in 15 Championship games is a strong return, and his contributions have been vital to Norwich in their surge up the table. He ranks in the top 22% for shots on target for players in his position, showing he is not just shooting frequently but doing so accurately. He also places in the top 17% for successful dribbles for players in his position, so when he carries the ball, he does it effectively, adding progression to Norwich’s play.
Slimane is also more of a physical presence than Maghoma. The Tunisian international ranks in the top 15% for aerial duels won for players in his position, giving Norwich a better outlet against physical opponents. His versatility – combining goal threat, ball-carrying, and aerial ability – makes him the more well-rounded attacking option. Perhaps not surprising given he was utilised as a box-to-box midfielder by previous manager, Johannes Hoff Thorup.
But Clement’s decision for games rides on what he values more for specific matches. Maghoma is the more creative of the two, capable of starting attacks and creating plenty of chances. Slimane, though, offers a better end product and physical balance to the side.
Freddie’s verdict
In my viewpoint, I think Slimane should start. Not only because of his due superior goal contributions under Clement, but also due to his all-round play. That’s not to say that Maghoma’s elite chance creation doesn’t make him the right option. But he is better suited to games where Norwich need to break down stubborn defences.
