Musaba: The New Winger's Impact
Anthony Musaba is Philippe Clement's new attacking weapon to eliminate Norwich City's opponents. The on-loan Fenerbahce winger marked his full debut in the midweek 2-1 League Cup win at Cardiff with a vibrant display full of pace and fizzing intent.
Clement added right winger Andre Brooks to his armoury earlier in the summer, in a big-money transfer from Sheffield United, and believes Musaba will add another dimension. "Not only on counters and transition, but also against lower blocks he can eliminate opponents," said the City chief. "It's a part of the game that we lacked last season in moments against low blocks to have that kind of player."
"We had good combining players and running players, but not really big speeds or the qualities to eliminate the opponent," he added. "So we have now different profiles, and that's going to be important in this league to use the different profiles."
Clement's Strategy for Player Fitness
Liam Gibbs was a surprise cup selection on the opposite flank with Papa Amadou Diallo left out as part of a plan to bring City's longer-term injured players and World Cup contingent to the boil. "Totally not a problem with him," said Clement. "With players like him coming out of an injury there's a certain programme from the medical staff to build them back, so this was the plan."
"But I didn't want to say it before the game because then you give away too much towards your opponents. He's totally fit. No worries about that," Clement continued. He also mentioned that Kenny McLean and Mo Toure didn't play as they are still in a pre-season pattern, focusing on creating freshness in the squad.
Celebrating Crnac's Comeback
Pelle Mattsson was delighted for his team-mate Ante Crnac as the Croatian marked his long-awaited return with a goal in the Canaries' Carabao Cup win at Cardiff. Introduced from the bench on the hour mark, Crnac converted Jack Stacey's cross from close range in the 78th minute to ensure Philippe Clement's side booked their place in round three.
Mattsson reflected on the team's performance, stating, "I think the intensity and the energy we played with today was good. It was better than Millwall. Today we showed the identity of the team, maybe."