There was a time when we signed players from Leeds but now we sign much better players from elsewhere for much less money. And they play well for a whole season as well.
Watched the 0-0 first half of Preston vs Leeds and it made me realise just how far our play has moved on. Preston defending well enough but little threat up front as almost every ball needs extra touches. Leeds a bit better but no clear cohesion to their play and depending on long shots carrying little threat or hopeful balls in to a lonely Bamford up front. Little pace or purpose from either side. Meanwhile West Brom are losing 3-0 at Bristol City and if that's the result and we win or draw tomorrow they will have no chance to catch us up.
Sorry if it’s been posted elsewhere but some more flattery https://www.theguardian.com/football/who-scored-blog/2019/apr/09/norwich-city-championship-table I think the point about Buendia arguably being more creative from open play than maddison is an interesting one. Not sure I agree, but it’s definitely debatable.
Actually, I would agree and think he is more aware of his teammatet than JM was. It could be argued that ALL of the players have improved and of course Pukki scores with a very high %age of his chances. IMO, it's incredible that we can even have this debate.
I’m torn, to be honest. It kind of goes both ways - to say Maddison is clearly better with a dead ball is not entirely doing justice to Buendia’s deliveries lately, which have been pretty faultless to be honest. But from the point of view you raise - the thing is that Maddison was (is) just so classy on the ball. Especially at Championship level he always looked like had loads of time with the ball at his feet. The article itself says we went through the middle last year - that’s because everything came through Maddison. He was also playing in a team where he was totally targeted (Buendia is too, but they can’t mark him too closely because they’ve also got Stieps, Onel, and our flying fullbacks to worry about, let alone Pukki constantly moving). It’s difficult to measure. I take your point though. They are strangely difficult to compare
I can’t believe how fortunate we’ve been to see both players exhibiting their skills in yellow and green and have such an impact. I remember a comment from MB last season and pre-match, JM was practising his FKs and 10 out of 10 were in exactly the same spot. I can’t wait to see MotD pundits salivating over Bendy’s skills (actually, you could probably add the other 9 outfield payers to that!!!)
I don't think they're easy to compare as their games are so different. JM was a pivot and goal threat with instinctive skills and great FKs. Buendia has pace and trickery with 8 goals and 11 assists, but his defensive abilities make him a truly exceptional player. If I had to choose one now, I'd go for Buendia for his all round excellence.
And the one departing brought in circa £22m. The one arriving in his place cost us a princely £1.5m! That's business...NCFC style.
I think you're comparing apples and oranges. JM was and is a central player and comparisons are more natural with either Vrancic and Lietner, as a transitionary player who can get forward and get involved in attacks, or Steiperdude in that second attackers role. Against those 3 as with Buendia, JM has strengths and weaknesses. Alround I think he is the best of the lot, but that doesn't mean he is the best fit for how Farke wants to set up, with that said, given how Vrancic/McLean/Leitner differ and the team effortlessly adapts, I still believe Maddison would further enhance this team. He is that damned good. Buendia is not so far behind, but JM has now done it in the PL (More assists/chances created than anyone else) Buendia has to do so too to demonstrate he is as good for my money. The debate over whether JM hampered the team development is interesting, but not for me, he was a shining light in a limited team, he would shine in this better incarnation too. Bah!
Seems a little odd to keep having this conversation and comparisons, as he left us almost a calendar year ago! In fact, as far as yellow shirts are concerned, he's ancient history.
https://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city...&utm_source=eshot&utm_campaign=newsletterlink Spot the glaring, inexcusable mistake!
If Archant were to read DD's MDT's they'd have it sorted - Reading gets a mention every single week...Wigan less frequently.
