After having some time to assess what they'll bring to Norwich City, Samuel Seaman grades the Canaries' summer arrivals from A* to U.
Ben Chrisene
Brought in to relatively little fanfare, partly because of how well his move was kept under wraps and partly because he came in, it was assumed, as a second-choice left-back.
But he's defied those modest expectations to become not only a first-choice for Johannes Hoff Thorup but an impressive one, improving game by game on the flank. Arguably his best showing came against Coventry in a vital 1-0 win at the CBS Arena, and he's inadvertently kept marquee arrival Jose Cordoba out of the starting line-up.
City will hope dearly that the injury Chrisene withdrew from England youth contention with was only minor, given how quickly the 20-year-old has become a key player for them. B-
Jose Cordoba
A complicated start to life at Norwich for the Panamanian, and probably a more difficult one than most expected when he was signed to enormous delight behind the scenes.
Still highly rated and greatly appreciated within the Colney walls, but saw his pre-season disrupted first by Copa America participation and then injury. Just when he looked ripe for involvement, the current back four began to perform excellently.
Impressed fans, especially on the ball, with his display even in a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, but looks like he still has some work to do to earn a starting berth. Plenty of signs of a good addition remain, but it's taking some time for Cordoba. C-
Ante Crnac
The purchase raising the most doubts at present, and there was always going to be added pressure given the price tag. Not only is an £8.5million move a huge investment for a Championship club, it's also a price point at which Norwich supporters have had their fingers burned plenty of times before.
Perhaps it's worthwhile to remember that Crnac is only 20, and it was going to take time to adapt after playing in the Polish league last season. But given he was signed as a back-up to the ever impressive Josh Sargent, there are legitimate concerns over his readiness in the here and now.
Far too early to write him off, but he'll hope for improvement in and out of possession after a couple of lax displays to kick off his City career. D
Callum Doyle
It might be too early to say for many of these players, but on Doyle fans have made their minds up.
On the ball his quality was evident even as a poor City side were beaten 2-0 by newly-promoted Oxford, but off it he's thrived at centre-back. Aerially he's almost as dominant as defensive partner Shane Duffy, positionally he's constantly switched on, and physically he stretches every sinew to make the most of his considerable build.
Pace already looks like a minor weakness, and in that sense a pairing with Duffy could prove costly, but as yet it's done the job. The phrase 'don't fall in love with a loan player' has come up a lot around the 20-year-old, and many Norwich supporters have already failed to adhere to it. A
Amankwah Forson
Turned that Kassam performance on his head when he made his debut at half time on the opening day of the season, turning superbly into midfield and giving the visitors drive in the attacking half.
Looked good again when he faced Stevenage in the Carabao Cup, but since then has struggled to make an impact. Fairly absent against Blackburn, ditto Sheffield United, and was hooked midway through the Coventry win in a disappointing full-circle moment.
Maybe a change of scene on international duty with Ghana will give him fresh impetus, but so far it's been a mixed bag from Forson. C
Oscar Schwartau
A clearly talented player, and seemingly a good fit for the Thorup system. That's no wonder given the similar backgrounds they've come from, but a tad more involvement in games would likely increase his game time.
Still seems that he's feeling his way in, which is understandable given his age and how quickly he's been thrown from the Danish Superliga into the Championship deep end. Looks an extraordinary talent for just 18, and his compatriot will back himself to develop that natural ability even further.
Not a bad start, but he has the potential to kick on in the near future as well as the long term. C+
Anis Ben Slimane
As far as 45-minute first impressions go, Slimane can't have hoped for much more from his debut. Plenty of nice touches, a tackle that means he's been diagnosed as the solution to any physicality woes, and three points to throw into the bargain.
The fact he's already spent a year in English football is a major plus for his new club, with little of the acclimatising that his fellow arrivals will be going through required. He's ready to play a part now, and that will be a welcome positive for a side in transition.
Worth remembering that both Steven Naismith and Ricky van Wolfswinkel scored superb goals on their league debuts for City, but the initial signs are good. B
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel