Final Positions
So, based on this statistical analysis, Tierney would play left-back, Naughton at right-back, with Whitbread and Ward as centre-backs.
In the absence of Tierney currently through injury, it is understandable why Lambert is playing Naughton on his wrong side. With Martin covering at right-back and question marks on Drury’s fitness, there is logic behind Naughton’s selection as left-back. However, it comes with a price: namely a lack of width. Naughton is very unlikely to take on the opposition’s full-back and/or cross with his left foot. This makes Naughton very easy to defend against.
As we’ve seen, Naughton is more at home on the right. He is usually preferred to Martin and this is backed up by the statistics. If Naughton can improve on his defensive game, he could become a key player for Norwich. However, until that happens, Martin might be seen as a safer option against some of the stronger teams Norwich will face over the coming weeks.
Whitbread was the clear winner in the centre-backs category. His general game is very good, albeit he’s not the finished article by any means. Whitbread took some criticism for his display against Fulham when Norwich played with three at the back. This change in formation clearly needs work defensively, and Whitbread (like Naughton) was probably caught out by the system as much as anything else.
Martin wasn’t as highly rated in this statistical analysis as his performances at centre-back have perhaps warranted. Nevertheless, he has shown he has the ability to do a good job in that position if required.
Ward pips Barnett to the final centre-back spot although it was tight between the two. Perhaps the most disheartening result across all the centre-backs was the low score of Ayala. Many Norwich fans would like to see him start when he’s fit again, however the stats above reveal his weaknesses. He, like Naughton, is young though, and will hopefully learn quickly. In the years to come, he has the potential to become a very good centre-back.
On the subject of young centre-backs, Ryan Bennett deserves a mention. Having only played one game so far, this young and promising signing from Peterborough was omitted from this exercise. But has already shown enough ability to suggest he is another potential star in the making.
Out Of Contract
Whitbread, Ward and Drury are all out of contract at the end of the season. And Naughton’s season-long loan deal expires too. Based on the information above, can we deduce who Lambert will try to keep and who he’ll let go?
Whitbread’s stats suggest he’s Norwich’s best centre-back. Given the weaknesses of the other centre-backs at the club, Lambert might feel it’s worth offering Whitbread a one or two year contract. One thing that might influence this is Whitbread’s proneness to injury. If he can remain fit for the rest of the season, it would be a surprise if he wasn’t offered a new contract.
Ward suffers quite badly with injuries too. This could count against him when the time for a renewal comes. Whilst he has undoubted ability, some of Ward’s stats are below what would be expected of an established Premier League centre-back. With Bennett and Ayala coming through and Barnett still contracted to the club, Ward may well find himself looking for another club when the season ends.
As for Drury, he has enjoyed a fantastic career at Norwich and deserves his testimonial later this year. However, perhaps the legs aren’t quite what they used to be, given Lambert’s decision to rest him recently. Despite still having lots to offer, Lambert might feel more inclined to look to the future and continue with his strategy of finding talented, young, hungry players. This will be no slant on Drury though – he has been a model professional in his time at Norwich.
That just leaves Naughton. Lambert tried to sign him during the January transfer window but the price was too high. It remains to be seen if Tottenham drop their asking price in the summer. Much may also depend on whether Redknapp is still manager. The stats have shown that Naughton has the quality needed to shine at this level, albeit there are creases to iron out in his game. Lambert will undoubtedly see him as a primary target in the summer – it just depends if a price can be agreed.
All of the stats from this article have been taken from the Opta Stats Centre at EPLIndex.com – Subscribe Now (Includes author privileges!) See Demo’s and videos about the Stats Centre & read about new additions to the stats centre.
