With much of the furore surrounding our captain's all-action display at the weekend, I feel these two players have been overlooked a little from our excellent and well-deserved three points against Wolves. For me, there was a real understanding between the pair early on and Howson in particular grew into the game and made some incisive bursts from midfield into the box. I think he has the potential to be the all-round midfielder who is going to score a lot of goals for us. I think its clear for all to see that the former Leeds skipper is another astute signing and at a fee of £2m, an absolute bargain. He reminded me of a young Paul Scholes arriving late in the box. He is going to bring us a further dimension to our armoury as its a part of Hoolahan's game which I feel he struggles with. I was excited by the control our midfield pair gave us in possession and the balance they brought the team. Anyone who reads this forum regularly will recognise that I'm a massive David Fox fan and that Norwich are a much better team with him in the side than without, and with Howson alongside him, I can see a really good Premier League midfield partnership blossoming. I'm very happy with yet another Lambert acquisition! Just need to get Ryan Bennett involved now..
Agreed . Some of the passing play yesterday was fantastic. I know there have been plenty of moans about how the midfield have been cut out of the play in a few games this season. But on Saturday the passing in the midfield was brilliant. Proof that we don't just play long balls and can adapt our style of play with ease.
I said at the beginning of the season that David fox could be our most important player this season, and I ain't far wrong! Our midfield could become very very good in the summer if he adds to what we have. People questioned the 2mil for a player with 6months left, and ken Bates basically calling us mugs! Well, I think that's 2mil very well spent... easily could have ended up at one of our rival's. As for Bennett, very looking forward to seeing him and now that we have practically secured survival I expect to see him very soon.
the thing about his contract running out was always a red herring... he's probably worth far more than the £2m but cos his contract was coming to an end he was valued far less. however, lambert was prepared to pay more than his contract was worth because he'd have less chance of getting him for free if other clubs were interested, which inevitably they would be. i reckon he's worth double what we paid for him and he's only played a couple of times! what could he be worth after a full premier league season?
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/jonathan-howson/mwverlaufgraph/spieler_45395.html We paid a little over double what he is worth when we bought him (which is about right considering players are always sold beyond the value on here, and there's a mark-up for January signings). In the context of his contract running out, we probably paid a little over the odds for him. However, judging by the figures on here and the actual amounts players are sold for, his resale value is probably around 3m at the moment (and only getting better judging by his current performances). Good business!
For once Superman I totally agree with your post. Howson was very impressive, and for once the Man of the Match descision was spot on. ILD OTBC
I thought considering how cheaply Wolves surrendered possession, the two centre mids could have done a little more. We didn't make that many chances, Fox's long passing was good as usual though.
interesting to read this feedback from those at the game, thanks. very promising indeed. How much did we pay for David Fox again - i seem to remember it being only 5 figures? Bargain for sure
..........the scholes analogy is a very good one superman, totally agree and think howson will become a top, top player within two years.
I put on the match thread that I thought Hoolahan got in the way of Howson and Fox on Saturday. They struck up a good understanding and I think its only getting the pace of the Prem left for Howson before he starts turning on the real style. And he must surely score soon.
not sure what you wanted from them DM! they both used the ball exceptionally well and howson got forward regularly.
fox had the most completed passes of any premier league player this weekend with over 100 (can't remember exact figure) I think the way in which Lambert set the team out allowed for him to have time and space and this obviously is going to benefit us. I was very impressed with howson from what i've seen i really think he could be our best midfielder for a few years yet! I also agree the more ryan bennett gets a game the better in my eyes no point spending 3.2mil and letting him watch from the stands!
Fox is a very important player for us. What he does isn't immediately obvious, maybe too subtle for the MOTD cameras, but he creates and distributes and runs our midfield. I read somewhere that Fox completed the most passes of any player in the premier league this weekend. Sounds about right. Him and the increasingly impressive Howson in the middle, hell of a pairing!
I have been disappointed with Wes for much of the season. I know in L1 he was outstanding but even last season he didn't produce his ability enough times. And this season I thought he might flourish but just doesn't put a run of good games together. I know he is sacrificed many times, but if he played a bit better, the manager couldn't leave him out.
To be fair in the prem this season wes has been involved in every game except for 4 so i reckon lambert still wants him at least for next season. I think he is an important player but just can't justify him against the top sides
Fox is easily our most underrated player I hope he get's some goals but that isn't part of his game. If you have a clue about football you'll realise he is easily one of our best players, he dictates the pace of the game keeps possession keeps us in control. As for Wes I think people need to lay off him a bit I agree he hasn't been excellent but I wouldn't say his been terrible.
