Player Focus: Naismith the Leader Norwich Need to Stave Off Relegation

Declan Rudd’s reaction to Adam Lallana’s late winning goal in Liverpool’s 5-4 win over Norwich on Saturday summed up the emotions of the home fans. As the England’s international’s volley bounced past him and into the back of the net, Rudd could do little but fall backwards and collapse at the end of a pulsating encounter at Carrow Road. Many have since dubbed Saturday’s encounter among the most remarkable in the Premier League’s illustrious history. 

Calamitous defending coupled with ruthless efficiency - of the 12 shots on target in the game, nine hit the back of the net - in front of goal added to the heart racing spectacle neutral fans didn’t want to end. Ultimately, it was Liverpool’s strength in depth that shone through in the dying embers of injury time, culminating in a mass touchline celebratory brawl that saw Jurgen Klopp’s glasses broken inadvertently. Nonetheless, while it felt like heaven for Liverpool, it was hell for Norwich. 

Defeat will have been psychologically draining in their quest to stave off relegation - a mental sucker punch, if you will. The Canaries’ defence has been suspect for much of the campaign so far - only Sunderland (46) have conceded more Premier League goals than Norwich (43) this season - which explains the January moves of Ivo Pinto and Timm Klose. It’s their leaky backline that will hinder the club’s chances of staving off relegation. 

However, it’s further forward where arguably Alex Neil’s best pick up of the winter transfer window comes. Steven Naismith had been strongly linked with a move to Carrow Road prior to his eventual switch last week, with the Scot struggling for regular game time at Everton. His impact was immediate for Norwich. Thrust straight into the starting XI this past weekend, Naismith was Norwich’s third highest rated player with a rating of 7.53, the attacker netting a wonderful debut goal to put the Canaries in front shortly before half time. 

While Norwich couldn’t hold out for a positive result, Neil will have been buoyed by the performance of his big-money January arrival. The history between the two during their respective time in the SPL has become one of the worst kept secrets in the game thanks to the joys of social media, but the pair were keen to be reacquainted before the transfer window slammed shut. In effect, Naismith is the ideal player Neil will want on the pitch in the battle to avoid relegation. 

Despite his short time at the club, the 29-year-old was barking orders as though he’d been at Norwich for most of his career, not four days. It’s led to suggestions that Naismith could even be named captain before too long and for good reason. His drive, determination and - perhaps most importantly - top-flight experience puts him head and shoulders above his teammates in the skipper stakes. Starting behind summer arrival Dieumerci Mbokani, Naismith’s unwavering energy levels showed he was prepared to receive the ball as and where possible prior to his 81st minute withdrawal. 

Often drifting to the left or right flank in search of possession, on Saturday Naismith was finding space between the lines while Mbokani occupied the Liverpool defence. While the Scotland international managed just 34 touches during his 81 minutes on the pitch, those came in areas across the midfield and the final third on both sides of the pitch. 

Not one to stick to his starting position, Naismith is difficult to keep in check for opposition midfielders. With teams often opting against a man marking system, this requires plenty of communication across the pitch in order to delegate who picks up Naismith at any given opportunity. However, with his constant movement off the ball, he’s tough to mark out of the game, thus increasing his chances of putting the opposition defence to the sword. 

A prime example came for his goal on Saturday, where he broke free down the right before firing a low effort past Simon Mignolet, Naismith’s one and only shot on goal. While it’s tough to gauge just how impressive this quality is against a lackadaisical Liverpool defence, he proved just how capable a talent he is during his time with Everton. The pass from Wes Hoolahan for the goal shows how quickly a rapport he’s built up with his new teammate, though that was to be expected given his talent. 

There’s an air of Robbie Keane about Naismith, in that he’s a vocal leader willing to get stuck in while providing the necessary leadership qualities further up the pitch. The defence may be flattering to deceive, but in Naismith, Norwich have in their ranks the ideal attacker capable of providing the experience and goals the Canaries need to stave off relegation.

Does Steven Naismith have the ability to fire Norwich away from the relegation zone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below