Norwich City head coach Philippe Clement has called on Jacob Wright to elevate his game as competition in central midfield intensifies ahead of the new season. The 20-year-old midfielder seized his opportunity to start in the recent 2-1 defeat to Hull City, showcasing his potential and leaving a positive impression.
With club captain and Player of the Year Kenny McLean sidelined due to a minor back issue before joining the Scotland squad for the World Cup, Wright made the most of his chance to shine. Despite the disappointing result, his performance hinted at a promising future.
Clement acknowledged the challenges Wright faces in securing a more prominent role within the squad. "Of course he's not Kenny, yet," Clement remarked. "Kenny has been the player of the season, but Jacob showed again his potential and he's going to become a really important player for us in the future. He showed his talent, he did good things and he needs those moments also to grow as a player."
While praising Wright's contributions, Clement pointed out areas for improvement. "Okay, there are other things also he needs to work on, but I'm not going to tell you everything. I keep some things for my players individually so not everybody needs to hear those things," he stated.
Clement expressed satisfaction with Wright's development over the past season, emphasising the importance of nurturing young talent. "At the age he is, he's still only 20 now, playing at this level, showing that quality is going to be very important for the future of the club," he noted.
The commitment Clement shows to his younger players has not gone unnoticed. Paris Maghoma recently referred to him as a father figure, highlighting the personal connection he fosters in his coaching style. "I feel also like my group of players are my children," Clement explained. "I have that same responsibility that I had with my kids, to not only make them good football players, but also to help them, if I can help with other things."
Clement's approach has created an environment where players feel comfortable voicing their concerns, which is crucial for their development. "The good thing is we had several players in the last weeks and months who came with things that stopped their evolution, or things that were difficult for them, and that we could find solutions inside the club," he elaborated.
His managerial philosophy centres around a strong team ethos. "I've been like that even when I was a player," he recalled. "I was always concerned about the team before myself... to help other players, new players coming in, helping them to find houses or to help their families with practical things." Read more about Norwich City Appoint Smith as New Academy Manager.
As Norwich City prepares for the challenges of the upcoming season, the focus will undoubtedly shift to emerging talents like Jacob Wright, who are set to make their mark while learning under Clement's guidance. Wright's journey is just beginning, and his development will be closely watched by supporters eager to see the next generation of talent flourish.