The Best Bet? – Why Oliver Norwood Could Become One Of The Championship’s Best At Fulham
Ambitious Fulham have signed Northern Irish midfield player Oliver Norwood on a season-long loan deal from newly promoted Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 26-year-old played 37 games for the south coast side last term, helping them achieve the runners-up spot behind Newcastle United. His credentials then are rather obvious, with the only question at first being who’s position he will take.
He is not a player who will want to or be capable of playing behind the striker and that is a role reserved for club star Tom Cairney. In terms of sitting in the two central midfield slots, he will take the place of either Kevin McDonald or Stefan Johansen, something which in itself seems unthinkable.
Add to this the fact that the Cottagers recently signed defensive midfielder Ibrahima Cissa from Standard Liege and the plot thickens somewhat. The club were forced to put a large price tag on McDonald recently in order to ward off interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest. But I can’t help thinking that after the recent transfer activity, they may yet be willing to let the Scot go.
Whatever happens though, Norwood’s quality is such that you would think that he would be at the forefront of Slavisa Jokanovic’s mind and will be very much a part of a regular starting XI. Norwood made 33 league appearances for Brighton last season, with just under half of them being starts, and always impressed when given the chance.
Hiss pass completion rate of 84% is good and his defensive skills, particularly in managing to make clearances, are impressive too. This is especially important considering Fulham’s swashbuckling style of play and if they are to let Sessegnon, Cairney and maybe Aluko run ahead and do their thing, some solidity in behind them will be needed this time if they are to challenge for the title.
Norwood was not the first choice for Brighton last season and Kevin McDonald, in particular, may feel aggrieved if he were deposed by him. However, it must be remembered that the Seagulls had, among others, the very underrated Dale Stephens in this position and at just about any other club, Norwood would have been a regular starter.
Since leaving Manchester United, Norwood has gradually risen up the ranks and if given the chance to lead a midfield, he could be used to best effect and he’d show his potential Premier League qualities. He’s gone to the right place anyway and Fulham are certainly one of the superpowers in the Championship for the forthcoming campaign.