Apparently Normann means 'Norwegian' in, err Norwegian, so it could well literally fit 'Norwegian Wood'. Nothing to do with what turns Dunc on though.
TFA scouting report on Kabak gives an excellent insight into his strengths and weaknesses: https://totalfootballanalysis.com/a...h-city-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics At 21, you'd hardly expect him to be the finished PL CB after 9 appearances for Liverpool, but there's a lot for the coaching staff to work with.
The Normann compilation on YouTube gives a good idea of his long passing and through ball skills. This was a year ago so doesn't include his latest season.
First indications of how Normann may fit into the City side in the Pinkun 'scouting report': "Many comparisons will naturally be made between Normann and Skipp, but on the evidence of this performance, they are players with a few differences. The Norwegian is more willing to attempt to win the ball back in higher positions rather than cover space. His enthusiasm to win possession is encouraging, but he does seem to possess the knowledge of when it is necessary to commit a tactical foul, a skill City lacked during their defeat to Leicester City at the weekend. Normann was also Norway's designated corner taker. His deliveries were consistently good and he even has a long throw-in his armoury as well." https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwich-city/canaries-ncfc-mathias-normann-scout-report-8289616
I realised that my Optus Sport package contained the qualifiers so rather belatedly I watched the Norwegian game with my eyes fixed on Normann as much as I could. I noted that he was taking corners and long throws. I thought he played reasonably well for them against the Dutch, but was substituted (probably because he had been in the wars a bit). He was certainly acting as a shield for the defence, went on a couple of runs with the ball. His passing was hit and miss it seemed he wasn't on the same wavelength as some of his team members from time to time.
He hasn't played for Norway for a while as he's been out with an injury and is trying to build up match fitness again - thus the 64th minute substitution. That may also explain the hit and miss passing as well. https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/canaries-ncfc-mathias-normann-stale-solbakken-8295172
Michael Bailey had a piece in Monday's Athletic in which he explicitly compared Normann and Skipp, with the aid of the Athletic's favourite smarterscout "pizza" metrics. The analysis revealed several major differences in all three of the pair's profiles -- defensive, attacking and "in possession". The biggest difference in defensive actions is in ball recoveries and interceptions, where Normann's rating is 83 out of 99 compared to Skipp's 20. When it comes to disrupting opposition moves, on the other hand, Skipp rates higher, at 50 compared to 36. A second area where Normann outperforms Skipp is engagement in aerial duals (rating 70 compared to 49). The most startling difference, though, is in actions in possession. Whereas Skipp excels in ball retention and link up play, neither apparently plays much part in Normann's thinking when he gets the ball. His focus is on moving forward with the ball himself and/or progressive passing; Tzolis, Rashica and Pukki will be licking their lips in anticipation. Attack-wise, Normann is far more active than Skipp when it comes to creating opportunities for others, getting in the box himself, and getting shots off. We've signed a completely different animal from the elder Tettey or young Ollie Skipp. I just hope he's as good at spotting and closing the yawning gaps behind him as he is at spotting and exploiting the gaps in front of him.
That's excellent, Robbie, and bears out the comments others have been making. This may also explain the shift to a 3 man midfield with Normann, McLean, Lees-Melou and Gilmour all able to contribute to the defensive screening and give support the attack once the ball is won. Skipp was excellent at the former but less so at the latter, and he was operating in the second tier whereas the others have all played in the top leagues. We need to see Normann play in the PL though before we know what he'll be able to add to actual performances. It's pretty clear that Norman was at the top of SW's DM list and presumably our play will adapt to his and other new players' strengths. DF must be very pleased with the range of options he now has.
I should have mentioned that, at Rostov, Normann was played both as the single pivot when the team set up 4:1:4:1, and as one of the two when set up 4:2:3:1. He was also occasionally employed as an AM, but Michael Bailey's comparison with Skipp refers purely to his numbers in those defensive roles.
Given the number of players rumoured for us who had DM/CM/AM capabilities, there seemed an intended tactical switch, dropping the central AM in favour of a multi-skilled 3 man midfield with that mix of skills. Normann will be the strongest on DM skills, but there may be a sharing of the 'regista' role, dictating the pace and tempo of play to support the attacking players. It's also possible that the wider midfield players will take on more defensive roles when we lose the ball, especially if the FBs are still up the pitch. How all of this works out could be the key factor in our play this season.
Let’s also not put all our eggs in Norman’s basket. He didn’t make it at Brighton (albeit very young). He could get injured. He might never find form. We’ve got enough quality in the squad that, with a bit of luck, we could still survive without him.
When he left Brighton, he was still roughly one year older than Max is now. His injury record over the last four years isn't inspiring. IMO we definitely need a plan B in case he's a flop.
I think it's OK to get excited about Normann. Norway are a decent side and it's not easy to get selected at International level . In the past we have signed International players at the tail end of their career but this guy hasn't even hit his prime yet. From what I've seen of him during International duty he's got bags of energy likes tackling but pretty comfortable on the ball . The advantage he has over Gilmore and McLean is that he's built like a tank and has a bit of a hard man streak to him . Wouldn't be surprised if he follows the Norwegian tradition of collecting yellow cards like Tettey. If it doesn't work out we still have Sorensen
We haven't had a hard man since Holty. It would have been satisfying to see someone grab Jesus during that 5-0 mauling Italian style . I like to see the odd professional foul. Leicester were more than happy to do it to us
Speaking of which, Hanley is praised as 'a beast' by the Scottish coaches: https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/scotland-assistant-heaps-praise-on-ncfc-skipper-8296460 They're convinced.
I watched most of the last 2 Scotland games Handley has done well but they were completely outplayed against Denmark
