Norwich City defender Jose Cordoba is enjoying a significant upturn in form in the Championship, thanks in large part to the guidance of head coach Philippe Clement. The 24-year-old Panamanian international has become an integral figure in Clement’s tactical setup, with the manager focused on nurturing and enhancing Cordoba’s burgeoning talent. Read more about Toure Targets Success as Norwich City Move Completes.
Clement's interest in Cordoba predates their partnership at Norwich, as he previously sought to recruit the defender during his time at Rangers. After making five starts in the last six league and cup matches, Cordoba is beginning to demonstrate the consistency that Clement considers vital for his development. Read more about Norwich Complete Loan Signing of QPR's Field on Deadline Day.
“The level is improving,” Clement remarked. “For the moment, it's really top in the Championship the way he's been playing. But one of the points is this consistency and not to make the mistakes that he sometimes made in the past, one or two times a game. But to take that out of his game. He's doing that really well for the moment.”
Clement has been closely monitoring Cordoba’s evolution, having recognised his potential long before arriving in Norfolk. “I told you guys when I was at Rangers I wanted to get him in, so I knew what quality he had, and which were the points to work on, and he's proving that,” he noted. “For me, he is a player who can grow with us to the level where we want to get.”
By forming a solid partnership with teammate Ruairi McConville, Cordoba has played a crucial role in strengthening a defence that Clement aims to rotate effectively. “That blend is crucial, but it doesn't mean that the two will play together all season,” he clarified. “It’s important to have this blend with all the four centre-halves that we have. That’s why, in training, it’s not always the same partnerships.”
Clement emphasised the necessity of familiarity among defenders, asserting, “They need to know each other, they need to speak with each other, they need to have the connection with each other, whatever the combination. That’s a very important thing, not only for centre halves, but all over the pitch.”
The Belgian manager is committed to fostering relationships within the squad, recognising that each pairing brings a unique dynamic to the game. “If I create one relationship between two players, and then we need one or the other to step in, it’s a totally different feeling on the pitch,” he elaborated. “We need to see that everybody has the same connection with each other. That’s our task to do.”
As Cordoba continues to thrive under Clement's careful mentorship, Norwich City fans are eager to see his contributions to the team's ambitions in the Championship this season. With his rising form and Clement's strategic oversight, Cordoba is set to play a pivotal role in Norwich's quest for success. Read more about Norwich Target Midfield Reinforcements as Deadline Approaches.