Norwich City defender Lucien Mahovo is eager to return to the pitch following an injury layoff that kept him out of the Canaries’ Championship opener against Millwall. The 20-year-old has been diligently working on his rehabilitation and is now ready to challenge for his place in a left-back position that has seen significant changes during his absence.
The competition for the left-back role at Norwich has intensified with the arrival of Jeffrey Schlupp, who joined the club on a free transfer after stints with Celtic and Crystal Palace. Schlupp brings a wealth of experience to the squad, raising the calibre of players vying for the position. Additionally, Mahovo's teammate Ben Chrisene has made a notable impact, showcasing his versatility by playing both centre-back and left-back during the recent Carabao Cup victory against Watford.
Mahovo is optimistic about rejoining the squad as early as September and welcomes the increased competition. He expressed enthusiasm about learning from his experienced teammates, stating, "They're really great quality players." In an interview with The Pink'un, he added, "Jeff has played in the Premier League – he’s won the Premier League! So he’s a great player and also an older, experienced player who I can’t wait to really learn and take tips and tricks from." Read more about Norwich Target Arsenal's Rising Star Dan Casey.
Reflecting on his training experiences with Chrisene, Mahovo noted, "Last season we really pushed each other and helped each other get better, so that’s something that I’m looking forward to again this season." This camaraderie is crucial for his development as he aims to reclaim his position in the team.
Head coach Liam Manning’s tactical deployment of a 3-4-3 formation could see Mahovo utilised in various roles, potentially allowing him to contribute both defensively and in an attacking capacity. He remains adaptable regarding his position, commenting, "It's not something that I've really thought about yet. I feel like I'm a fairly versatile player, so whether it's as a wing-back or as a full-back, I feel like I could do either to a pretty good standard."
Mahovo is also aware of the importance of making a strong impression on Manning, who has expressed interest in his potential. He shared, "He’s told me that he watched a bit of me and he’s happy with how I play. He’s got a vision for stuff that I can do, so it’s just about getting back and putting a pattern together really."
With the competition for the left-back position heating up, Mahovo's anticipated return could significantly enhance Norwich City’s defensive options. The young defender is ready to seize the opportunity to prove his worth. Read more about Norwich Target Tverdokhlib as Leicester Join Race.