Josh Sargent is feeling confident about his prospects at Norwich City as he aims for a place in the US Men's National Team (USMNT) for the upcoming World Cup. The 25-year-old striker has made an impressive start to the season, netting six goals in his first five matches. He believes that remaining with the Canaries was the right choice, despite speculation surrounding a potential transfer away from Carrow Road.
In a recent press conference while preparing for international duty, Sargent expressed satisfaction with his current role at Norwich. “I think I'm in a good spot at Norwich. I'm at a place where I know I can score goals, which of course, is important going into the World Cup,” he stated. Despite interest from several clubs, including Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg and Sunderland, Sargent chose to stay put. Read more about Norwich Target Mattsson as Deadline Approaches.
His current form is noteworthy, and he is determined to maintain his scoring streak, particularly as he looks to end a goal drought for the national team that has persisted since 2019. “Yeah, I’d probably be lying if I said I didn’t think about it. I know it’s been a while and I’m doing so well at the club level at the moment,” he shared. “I just keep reminding myself how well I’m doing there. I know I can score goals, and I know it’s a matter of time that I’m going to score for the national team.”
Sargent's teammate Tim Ream, who is also part of the USMNT, has unwavering faith in Sargent's goal-scoring abilities. “I don’t think anybody really worries about it, to be completely honest with you. I’ve known that the guy can score goals since he was 15, 16 years old,” Ream remarked. “What he’s doing at Norwich and the types of goals that he’s scored are all different. It’s just a matter of putting his head down and continuing to work, and the goals will definitely come.” Read more about Norwich Target Baumann as Talks with United Progress.
As the USMNT gears up for their World Cup campaign, they will face South Korea on Saturday in New Jersey, followed by a match against Japan three days later in Ohio. For Sargent, the priority is to build on his strong start with Norwich City, where he feels he has found the ideal environment to refine his skills and bolster his confidence ahead of this crucial international assignment.
**Manning Aims to Foster Sargent and Kvistgaarden Partnership**
In parallel, Norwich City head coach Liam Manning is keen to develop a strong attacking partnership between Sargent and new signing Mathias Kvistgaarden. The two players collaborated effectively during the Canaries' recent 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers, where Kvistgaarden made his first start following his £6.9 million transfer from Brøndby.
Manning is optimistic that, with time, the duo will establish a solid understanding on the pitch. “In terms of the goal threat, it allows Sarge to drop in behind at times because Mathias is willing to run,” Manning explained after the match. “Those counter movements in that top line are really important. Those connections with Mathias will take a little bit of time to get him up to speed.”
This strategic partnership represents a tactical evolution for Norwich, moving away from the back three formation initially employed by Manning. The return of Kenny McLean has provided improved balance, enabling Kvistgaarden to receive more service and showcase his potential. “I thought he showed some really good moments,” Manning noted. “He gives us something slightly different than we had before in terms of people willing to run beyond.”
With the international break approaching, Norwich City hopes to leverage their recent successes to nurture a productive partnership between Sargent and Kvistgaarden as they strive for promotion in the Championship.