Norwich City: Jose Cordoba pathway analysed after slow start

One header, two passes through the Canaries' midfield and a tidy rounding of George Long, and the Panamanian's task of keeping Premier League Crystal Palace out was gone.

There were issues with his own contribution, holding a high line as Daichi Kamada strolled through on goal and missing his interception, but it was the wider kyboshing of his first extended contribution that was the great disappointment.

Those supporters had waited so patiently, so excitedly, for more than a glimpse of their marquee summer signing, and after 99 seconds their first proper look had been significantly compromised.

There wasn't much creating anticipation ahead of the trip to South London: this was a journey the Carrow Road faithful had made time and again, each visit obstructed by antiquated pillars and questionable away facilities. But Cordoba's first start gave them something to look forward to, and that spoke volumes on an otherwise insignificant night.

Every good pass was applauded, every touch of the ball scrutinised and every sprint analysed. While others played free from the weight of expectation, the 23-year-old knew he had something to prove to his new public. On the night it felt like a big occasion for Cordoba, but more than two weeks later his City career remains in a state of standstill.

The Panamanian's City career is still waiting for take off (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
More than two weeks later he's still without a Championship start, and fans are still scrutinising every touch, analysing every sprint and keenly clamouring for more.

That wasn't the intention when he was signed, a rapid statement of intent for the transfer window and a source of great pride behind the scenes. With Ben Gibson moving on and his namesake Knapper setting the tone for a new style of play, everyone connected with the club assumed he'd be straight in from the opening day trip to Oxford.

But a combination of injury and Copa America participation saw to that, and since then his team-mates' performances have ensured their starting berths.

Few expected Shane Duffy to perform as well as he has, and it's true that there were shaky moments in both that U's loss and the subsequent 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers. He bounced back quickly, however, and was instrumental both in and out of possession as four points were gained against Sheffield United and Coventry.

Alongside him Callum Doyle has played well enough to earn the fan-voted player of the month award for August, impressing with both his physical dominance and eye for a pass. Throw in the impeccable technique he boasts and it's hard to omit him from any first-team plans.

Perhaps, then, he could be shifted out to left-back, where he was signed to cover and has played at numerous times during his career. Except fellow new boy Ben Chrisene has grown with every game, controlling the flank as the Sky Blues were beaten 1-0.

Cordoba faces stiff competition from Callum Doyle (left) and Shane Duffy (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
When the facts are laid bare like that, it seems a near-impossible task for Cordoba to break into the team, but there are still situations that could fall in his favour.

Head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup has talked about the need for different options, admitting its influence on Ante Crnac's recruitment as a backup striker. He may have been referring to the Croatian's battle for game time, but it could also refer to his centre-back's.

Take this weekend's trip to Swansea, for example, and the desire the Dane has expressed for high pressing. Doyle's and Duffy's strengths are clear when it comes to physicality and aerial prowess, but they don't boast the same pace their stablemate does. That could make the Panamanian a superior tactical choice, the option Thorup needs for the setup he requires.

The 35-year-old has also talked up patience as a virtue, especially in reference to his eight new arrivals. Maybe that doesn't simply refer to the time supporters give them to adapt, but the expectations of how long they'll spend in the deep end early on.

In any case, there remains an unwavering belief behind the scenes that this signing will pay off in the long term. In fact, there's still a belief that it will pay off in the short and medium terms, too.

But the abilities of fans and player to bide their time remain an important element, as the latter hopes to live up to the high expectations he's set for himself.