This past weekend might have marked a turning point for Norwich City’s season.
Under Johannes Hoff Thorup, the Canaries have had a challenging start to the season, having only triumphed once in their first five league games. Their early-season losses to Oxford United and Swansea City were concerning, and they dropped points from a winning position in their two draws with Blackburn and Sheffield United.
Everything began with a difficult summer transfer window when several highly important players from the previous campaign left the team. Gabriel Sara signed with Galatasaray, trading Norfolk for Turkey, and Jon Rowe signed with Marseille on loan, with a buyout clause.
Since Rowe and Sara had a significant impact on Norwich last season, Thorup was given a few serious problems to make sure his team could function without them.
The fact that Norwich was able to retain onto quality midfield player Kenny McLean despite opposition from other teams is a major plus from their summer campaign.
This past weekend, in a commanding display against Watford, McLean truly showed his worth. It may turn out to be a watershed moment for Norwich and Thorup.
McLean’s outstanding performance versus Watford
Norwich was eager to make amends on Saturday following a humiliating 1-0 loss to Swansea the previous weekend. It was sure to be a challenging afternoon as Watford, the opponents, arrived at Carrow Road having won three of their previous five league games.
As is so frequently the case, Kenny McLean began the game in the middle of midfield with the captain’s armband around his bicep, and it did not take him long to pick up his first assist of the afternoon.
He sent the ball to Callum Doyle after three minutes, and the Norwich player scored the first goal with a stunning strike from 25 yards out. Although the strike was mentioned more than the straightforward assist, McLean will undoubtedly add it to his record nevertheless.
After Watford levelled, it appeared as though the two teams would draw even going into halftime. That is, until McLean showed up with his second assist, which was among the best in the EFL this weekend across all games. Within his own half, the midfielder collected the ball effectively and played a long, direct ball to Borja Sainz, who brought it down nicely and put it past the custodian.
The Canaries’ fortunes were turned around by that goal just before halftime, and they won 4-1 at Carrow Road. Throughout the day, the Scotland international dominated the middle of the park and finished with two assists.
Interest in McLean throughout the summer
As previously said, Norwich had a difficult summer, but things nearly got worse when it appeared like Kenny McLean would be leaving.
The Daily Record revealed in June that the 32-year-old was being targeted by Scottish powerhouse Rangers in preparation for a possible summer transfer. It would have raised red flags at Carrow Road when McLean previously acknowledged that he was a lifelong Rangers supporter and that it would be an absolute dream to play for them.
But, it was unsuccessful because McLean and the Rangers allegedly couldn’t agree on a contract term. Subsequently, Matt Grimes of Swansea and the midfield player were the focus of Sheffield United, who entered the game.
Again, to Norwich’s great blessing, that interest never materialised. The Canaries will be hoping McLean can maintain a level of play consistent with his display against Watford this weekend, as it was a great illustration of his midfield contributions.
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