- Dynamic attacking football returns as Clement restores the entertaining City DNA.
- From Hoolahan to Maghoma, flowing style remains the heartbeat of Norfolk’s finest.
- Young talents like Makama and Toure ignite a bold new era for Norwich.
Clubs like to talk about their long-term projects, the “DNA” of a club or in the case of certain ex-pundits “the Manchester United way”. This is something I wanted to think about – what is the Norwich City identity?
Excitement
“Norwich is proving a really interesting hotbed. I watch more Norwich City games than any other side” England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley was full of praise before a recent game at Carrow Road.
The cynics among you might say, “That’s what they all say”, before going to a ground. Some might point out how Snoop Dogg wore a Norwich City shirt before a local gig, before becoming an owner at Swansea.
But I disagree. Norwich City at their peak are a joy to watch and I think we are getting back to what I personally see as close to the pure distillation of our style.
Style
For me the best times for any Norwich team is when the team is flowing. I remember watching the highlights outside City Hall during the promotion parade and Farke’s team was the perfect example.
Seeing players ping the ball around, smart pace and sharp trickery is a joy to behold.
We have had various incarnations throughout the years. Whether it was dead speedy Darren Eadie, stylish Darren Huckerby, the inventive wizardry of Emi Buendia or Wes Hoolahan it feels like a team that is begging to let them entertain you.
More please
I have seen first-hand the change in Norwich City’s play. The slow, lumpen and one-dimensional football at the start of the season was akin to some bored kids being dragged to put on a show for the grown-ups.
By contrast, Phillipe Clement’s Norwich City has been much more delightfully dynamic. The addition of Ali Ahmed gave us pace on the wing while the re-emergence of Anis Ben Slimane has added extra spice. The discovery of Jovon Makama and Mohammed Toure has also been a revelation.
To cap it off we have the mercurial fabulousness of Paris Maghoma to top it off. If he can get fully fit I think we have a player for the ages!
In short, I feel Clement has tapped into what I love about Norwich City and I suspect a lot of other people too and it bodes well for the future of our team.
Like the song says… “Never mind the danger!”
