Norwich have secured two successive promotions under the guidance of Paul Lambert, a feat achieved with a largely similar squad. Questions will always be asked over their ability to step up and compete at a higher level, but as the majority of the Canaries proved their capabilities last season under Lambert’s expert leadership, there will be a degree of optimism amongst the Norwich faithful.
Wes Hoolahan is a player who will be expected to perform a leading role in the transition; a key figure who will be at the forefront of most attacking moves, contributing a decent goal and assist tally along the way. The Republic of Ireland international has been a revelation over the last two years and in January signed-up on a long-term contract – proving that he is firmly in Lambert’s plans.
Searching the pool of newly-promoted midfield talent, many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Managers will be looking for the next Charlie Adam – a cheap, Bonus Point magnet that chips in with goals and assists. Although not the first name on the watchlist, Hoolahan is certainly worthy of consideration.
The Statistics
The 29-year-old midfielder has a plenty of experience in the lower leagues, with Blackpool and Norwich, as well as time in his native Ireland, at Shelbourne, and a spell in Scotland with Livingston – he has yet to take the step up to the Premier League. In his earlier years he was often employed on the flanks, but it was the role just behind the striker, instigated by Lambert, where he has truly flourished and played a pivotal role in the fortunes of the club.
Functioning at the point of a midfield diamond, Lambart has allowed Hoolahan to bring his creativity, vision and guile to bear on opponents with superb results. Last season Hoolahan made 36 starts and 5 appearances from the bench which led to 10 goals and 9 assists – this form carried him to a place in the Championship Team of the Season.
During the 2009/10 League One campaign, Hoolahan’s statistics were similarly impressive; In 36 starts and one substitute appearance he fetched 11 goals and provided 13 assists – selectoin in the PFA League One Team of the Season also came his way.
The Prospects
Whist many a-Fantasy Manager will swoon over the newly-promoted talents of Adel Taarabt and Scott Sinclair, Hoolahan could slip under the radar and theoretically offer similar potential. He cannot boast the same goalscoring record which the aforementioned pair, but for those concerned over how both Taarabt and Sinclair will adjust to the top-flight, Hoolahan could present a viable option.
Hoolahan’s lack of Premier League experience and the fact he lines up for a team who will be expected to struggle, should see him placed firmly in the budget price bracket. In the FPL we shouldn’t expect a valuation any higher than 5.0 – indeed 4.5 seems more likely. This valuation, coupled with Sinclair and Taarabt’s predicted popularity, means that Hoolahan could be an excellent budget “differential” in midfield during prosperous periods for Norwich.
Unless there are dramatic changes on the horizon, you would expect Hoolahan to continue to take the majority of the club’s set-pieces. In addition to his potential to provide assists and score direct free-kicks, Hoolahan is also second in line to take spot kicks. After missing a couple of penalties early on, Grant Holt muscled past him in the queue. But depending on Holt’s form and starting place, which is under pressure from new recruits Steve Morison and James Vaughn as well as Simeon Jackson, Hoolahan could take the reins once again.
Despite the fact that Hoolahan has been crucial to the success at Carrow Road in recent years, the Premier League is a ruthless environment and his place in the side is by no means nailed-on. It’s worth keeping an eye on who the club bring in over the next few months. Recent reports have linked the Canaries to Leeds’ midfield pair Robert Snodgrass and Bradley Johnson – both of whom could be employed in Hoolahan’s central attacking role.
Initially, at least, you would expect Hoolahan to continue to be one of the first names on the team sheet and if Norwich’s early season fixtures are favourable, he could prove to be an astute acquisition at a bargain price.
