Bruno Alves Shines in Norwich Debut
New Norwich City signing Bruno Alves has talent, but now needs a period of adaptation to thrive in the blood and thunder of Championship football. Read more about CSF Reaches 56,000 as Norwich City Champions Community Sport.
The Brazilian defender joined the Canaries on an initial loan deal earlier in the summer and made his first outing in their opening pre-season victory against King's Lynn Town behind closed doors. Read more about Field Champions Squad Depth as Canaries Target Promotion.
Sam Field's Guidance for Young Defender
Sam Field will be among the experienced voices helping guide the 20-year-old through his first season in England's second tier, which can prove a physical test for new arrivals.
Field has been impressed with Alves in training, but believes exposure to the rougher side of the game will aid his development.
"The boy's got a bit," he said. "The manager said to him earlier in the meeting, 'Welcome to British football'. It's very physical. As soon as he grasps that, the better for everyone."
"We can see he's got talent. In the nicest way, he gets clattered a few times and gets up. That would be the best thing for him. He's got a lovely left foot and nice technical ability. He's so young as well, which is the beauty. I've been impressed," Field added.
High-Intensity Pre-Season Training
Norwich's pre-season has continued at pace with Philippe Clement looking to build up an intensity in his squad ahead of the Championship opener next month. That has included a lot of running, but Field explains why there are no complaints inside the dressing room. Read more about Gunn Seals Move to San Jose Earthquakes After Norwich Exit.
"I think the sports science would argue there's a bit more method to the madness, but in essence, his team is at high intensity, and that's what you want. You can't really argue with that when you're outworking teams and playing better than them," he said.
"The more pre-seasons you have, which I've had quite a few now, you can work out what your body needs and what it doesn't. There's an expectation you have to come back in good shape, especially with this manager, so it's all for good reason. It's not to harm, it's to help you."
"Some of the guys are still at the World Cup, so they need a bit of extra time, but everyone here is raring to go and already looking forward to the season," Field concluded.