- Norwich prioritise tactical flexibility as five senior players prepare for summer exits.
- Modern recruitment focus shifts toward athletes capable of playing multiple roles.
- Clement evaluates squad character and adaptability ahead of gruelling campaign.
With the news that five players are confirmed to be departing Norwich City this summer (with more to come), one factor to consider when bringing in new recruits will be the F word – flexibility.
Modern game
Flexibility in terms of tactics and positions is nothing new. The ‘total football‘ was pioneered by Dutch players and coaches as far back as the Seventies.
This has evolved in recent times throughout the squad – goalkeepers are expected to be better at distribution, defenders have to be comfortable controlling the ball while midfield and attack need to adapt depending on whether or not the team are in possession.
Positions
Indeed even the nature of positions has been a fascinating process over the decades. You can have inverted full backs, deep lying central midfielders while there tends to be more variation than the typical “big guy upfront” or goal poacher as managers balance out pace and possession going forward.
Adaptation
Liam Gibbs has rightly been heralded for his ability to fit in as the team demands it but he is not the only one in the squad who can be rejigged as necessary.
While Kellen Fisher is not a natural left back, he has done his duty as necessary. In his customary style, Kenny McLean has applied his hard work to playing on the wing and centre back when required.
Nature of the game
The reality of the Championship is that there are only so many positions available in the squad and those players have to play a lot of football over the course of a very gruelling season.
While some players are specialists in a specific position, there is the very real risk that even with the best professionals, there will be injuries over the course of the season. In Norwich City’s case, there were 14 players unavailable, a challenge that will hopefully be reviewed over the summer break.
This is why how a player can adapt will be a factor when signing a new player.
Character
Of course, adaptation is not just about being physically able to switch positions – does a player have the focus to maintain a performance in a different position over the course of a game?
There is also the issue of character- is the player prepared to sacrifice their key position in order to play a role that the manager has assigned to them?
These are big decisions to make, and no doubt will factor into Phil Clement and the board’s decision-making.
