Few would have predicted Jack Stacey’s rapid resurgence at Norwich City, especially following Kellen Fisher’s rise to prominence at right-back.
However, Stacey has responded emphatically to being sidelined in Championship matches, adding dynamism and athleticism to Norwich’s attacking play.
Manager Johannes Hoff Thorup has humorously admitted his earlier misjudgment, referring to himself as a “stupid coach from Denmark” for not fully utilizing Stacey’s talents. Yet, Stacey’s revival owes as much to his own efforts as to the adjustments made by Thorup and his staff. The coaching team tweaked Stacey’s role, emphasizing his strengths and unlocking a new dimension to his game.
Stacey’s temporary exclusion from the lineup—spanning 10 matches—stemmed more from Fisher’s suitability for an inverted full-back system than from any deficiency on Stacey’s part. Fisher’s qualities provided balance to Norwich’s possession-based approach, while Stacey’s vertical, swashbuckling style initially seemed less compatible. Additionally, much of Norwich’s attacking play had been concentrated on the left flank, heavily reliant on Borja Sainz for creative moments.
Recognizing this imbalance, Thorup and his team developed a plan during the international break. They utilized Stacey’s pace and athleticism by positioning him as a wider outlet while instructing Amankwah Forson to invert and drag defenders inside. The results have been striking, with Stacey excelling in his attacking role over the last three matches.
Stacey’s professionalism has shone through during this transformation. Rather than sulking over his earlier omission, he embraced the new system, implementing it with precision. In the 4-2 victory over Luton, Stacey stood out, receiving six progressive passes, making four progressive carries, and registering more penalty-area passes than any other player. His four assists in three matches highlight his growing impact, making him the first Norwich defender this century to record three assists in consecutive games.
This evolution reflects both Stacey’s hard work and Thorup’s coaching. The right-back’s game has become more nuanced, blending offensive qualities with improved positional awareness. He now demonstrates better judgment in deciding when to surge forward and when to hold his position, as shown in his role during Norwich’s fourth goal against Luton.
Stacey’s resurgence has given Thorup a welcome selection dilemma, particularly with defensive reinforcements like Jose Cordoba nearing a return. However, Stacey’s challenge will be to sustain this level of performance as opponents adapt to his strengths.
Verdict: After a 10-game absence, Stacey has emerged as a transformed player. His intelligent play and enhanced role in Norwich’s system have been remarkable, earning him deserved praise.
Rating: 8/10.
