Analysis of Jacob Sorensen's performance in 3-0 Stoke win

The Danish utility man will be out of contract in the summer and is awaiting news of what the future holds for him at Carrow Road. 

Injuries have halted his progress this season, but in recent weeks, Sorensen has begun to make a compelling case to activate the one-year extension on his contract. 

He was not slow in coming out and admitting he is seeking clarity from sporting director Ben Knapper over his future - but he also has a chance to force his hand by delivering impressive performances. 

David Wagner and his coaching team rate him highly. His versatility and football intelligence allow him to be deployed wherever necessary in central midfield or defensive positions.  

At the moment, that is central defence. Along with Ben Gibson, Sorensen has formed part of a City defence that has kept two clean sheets in as many matches and conceded just a single shot on target. 

Whilst the quality of the respective opponents can be debated, the pair have displayed solidity and marshalled their counterparts with concentration whilst winning the individual duels. 

But this wasn't a sufficient test of Sorensen's defensive capabilities for the second successive weekend. Barring one moment where Ki-Jana Hoever weaved his way through in the first half and Ryan Mmaee latching onto a long ball in the second, there was little to make City's defensive pairing sweat. 

What Sorensen's presence in central defence offered City was an ability to build up from deep areas. 

The Danish midfielder completed 55 passes throughout the encounter - only Marcelino Nunez managed more in yellow and green throughout the entire contest. 

Perhaps it was more telling after Sorensen was replaced due to running out of energy. Norwich were restricted more when Danny Batth came onto the pitch in that particular aspect. 

Sorensen, being a midfielder by trade, is more comfortable in possession, and in a game where City dominated with the ball, that confidence to be progressive with the ball aided their ability to get on the front foot quickly and hurt Stoke in transition.

That aforementioned versatility is something that has been both Sorensen's biggest strength and weakness during his time at Carrow Road. 

Jacob Sorensen has done a decent job filling in at central defence. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

It has helped bail the Canaries out of difficult situations, and he has performed amicably in a range of areas. From a coaches perspective, he is a dream to have in the squad because he solves so many problems. 

But his inability to nail down a regular position has reduced his game time. When everyone is fully fit, it is hard for him to find a role within the strongest starting XI. 

Will he continue as the right-sided central defender when Shane Duffy returns? Will he be able to force his way ahead of the Irishman and Grant Hanley? That feels unlikely. 

Likewise, with Kenny McLean, Nunez and Gabriel Sara performing strongly and with remarkable consistency - how does Sorensen muscle his way into that mix without injuries? These are questions he has to answer. 

Then there is his fitness history, which has complicated his time at the club. This season could have transpired differently for Sorensen had that pre-season abdominal issue not sidelined him for so long. 

During that period, Sorensen has worked on his athleticism. He does look more muscular and powerful now. That has helped with looking more comfortable with the blood and thunder nature of being a Championship central defender. 

What isn't known is the financial package that Sorensen commands and Norwich will need to make cuts if they are looking at another year in the Championship next term. 

There is little disputing Sorensen's usefulness and the values he offers the squad, but Knapper will need to weigh up all the arguments before deciding whether to trigger that extension. 

All Sorensen can do is continue to deliver consistent performances and showcase his talents. Either that will earn him 12 more months at Carrow Road or set him up for a move for his future. 

There will be frustration that in 77 Norwich appearances, only 24 have come as a central midfielder. Sorensen has played 28 as a left back, 12 as a central defender and two as a right back. 

Jacob Sorensen is hoping to extend his Norwich City stay. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

At 26, he will need to nail down a regular role at some stage. That may even involve having to depart Norwich in pursuit of achieving it. 

But Norwich's squad would miss him. Wagner holds him in high regard and utility players are dying in the modern game. Sorensen is dependable, reliable and consistent. There is clearly a talented footballer there. 

Will that prove enough to extend his stay at Carrow Road? Only Knapper holds the answers. 

VERDICT: Another impressive display from the Danish utility man, who helped Norwich limit Stoke to little in attacking situations. Composure on the ball aided City's slick play in possession. Injury concern late on, but has been dealing with illness in recent days. 

RATING: 7 out of 10