With 13 young players away from Norwich City on loan this season, DAVID FREEZER finds out how the Canaries prospects have been performing.
Norwich City fans have been keeping a close eye on the results of Shrewsbury Town this season – where three Canaries players are currently on loan.
Young midfielders Ben Godfrey and Ebou Adams are both with the Shrews until January and striker Carlton Morris is due to stay for the whole season, although City have an option to recall in January.
Six goals in 17 games from 21-year-old Morris have helped Paul Hurst’s side to the top of the League One table after 16 games, with Godfrey, 19, also playing a key role with 16 appearances in all competitions. Adams, 21, has been on the fringes but with Godfrey facing a three-game ban after a red card in midweek his opportunity could be approaching.
We caught up with Lewis Cox of the Shropshire Star to see how the Canaries trio have been getting on...
Which of the City boys has most impressed so far?
It’s tough to call between Morris and Godfrey. They’ve both been outstanding in their own right. Godfrey has been an ever-present and since his debut in a 1-1 draw at Oxford his levels have been extremely high. Morris has had to deal with sharing a lone striking role with Stefan Payne but still has six goals to his name. He really impresses supporters when he comes in.
Starting off with Godfrey, what position has he been playing and what have been his strengths?
He’s been playing as the ‘one’ defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 system. It allows the two other central midfielders in front of him more licence. He has carried out the role with superb maturity. His physical attributes, pace and strength, are quite noticeable, especially for a young lad. But his understanding of the game and reading of play is standout.
Has Morris been playing as a striker and which parts of his game have impressed?
He is playing a lone role up front and I believe it is suiting him down to the ground. He has had loans before so knows his way around lower league defenders but he really has a great size and uses his strength and pace brilliantly well. His technique should not be overlooked, he has fantastic footwork at times and you can bank on him beating a defender. His six goals have included some fine finishes, too.
Which areas would you say both need to work on?
It’s not his natural game, but Godfrey could perhaps look at his play further up the pitch. I believe he was at one point a defender, so has already shown versatility in moving into midfield, but it would add yet more strings to his bow if he could pop up with a goal or some assists. He got sent off in the Checkatrade Trophy game this week, but that sort of thunderous challenge is part of his DNA and I wouldn’t change it.
Morris has been improving with the way he handles himself in the solo striker role and the way he uses his significant frame is getting better every game. It should stand him in good stead.
Do you think they are ready for the Championship?
I have confidence that both of the players could play a part in the Championship. Particularly Godfrey, who has all the tools to excel in a defensive midfield role, though would obviously be dealing with a better calibre of opponents. I don’t see why Morris could not be a more than capable option from the bench for the Canaries. Against tired and weary defenders he is a fantastic option.
Ebou Adams doesn’t seem to have featured much, due to ability or a competitive squad?
It has been tougher for Ebou to get in. The midfield areas are ultra competitive and Godrey, Abu Ogogo and Jon Nolan are a fundamental part of Hurst’s work. They have pretty much been an ever-present so Adams has had to be satisfied from the bench. It is clear that the Gambia international – after his call-up this week – is a real athlete and gets around the pitch brilliantly. He is extremely combative, it would be good for Town fans to see more of him in terms of getting hold of the ball. He is always in and around the first-team though, which must be helping him in a first loan of the kind.
Are Shrews fans hoping all three will stay for the whole season?
I would certainly say so with Carlton. There’s every chance he can near 20 goals in all competitions if he can stay fit and in form. Godfrey’s move is up in January but Town will be doing everything they can to extend that, I’m sure. Adams has been an option from the bench – it might be interesting if Hurst decides to keep it that way or look elsewhere with him come January, with only five loans allowed.
• You can watch highlights of the Shrews’ recent 5-0 win over Aldershot in the first round of the FA Cup, in which Morris scored the final goal, above
• See the links below to find out how City’s other loanees have been getting on
• Join in with the latest Canaries chat on the Pink Un messageboard
• Follow David Freezer on Facebook @DavidFreezer1 or on Twitter @davefreezer
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