Manchester United of course play Norwich City away this weekend, in the Premier League and with that in mind it’s worth taking a look at these three players who we should be wary of going into the game:
Grant Holt
Holt is an old-fashioned forward who has waited a long time to finally play in the Premier League. Perhaps it’s that fact alone which has showed in his play as he has given his all so far this season, surprisingly looking at home in the top-flight.
Defenders don’t like to play against strikers who are aggressive and put their weight about. However perhaps it would be unfair to label Holt as a ‘Kevin Davies II’ as he has shown finesse on the ball and good link-up play with his team-mates.
Make no mistake about it United’s defence have come up against much better forwards in the past, but Holt will look to pick up any loose scraps and will be a threat from set-pieces which could be a worry for David De Gea who has been a victim of being bullied inside the area this season.
Wes Hoolahan
Not many talented players playing in England have to wait until the age of 29 before they get a chance to play in the top-flight. Hoolahan so-often seen as just a Championship player has had to wait for his chance but this season has grabbed it with both hands
Norwich’s Irish midfield offers his side guile, imagination and most importantly leadership in the middle of the park which of course is vital for any promoted side. His form might well win him a late call-up into Ireland’s squad for Euro 2012.
This weekend it’s unlikely that he will see much of the ball in an attacking-role, so he will have to work hard tracking back trying to stop United’s energetic and experienced midfield from wreaking havoc in Nofolk. It may prove too big a task to achieve though.
Kyle Naughton
Back in July 2009, Tottenham signed two defenders called Kyle from Sheffield United. One, Naughton has gone onto become a house-hold name in the Premier League and is a shoe-in for the England squad for Euro 2012, where he is likley to figure at right-back.
Naughton, the other Kyle hasn’t quite had the same success as his close friend Walker has, but that hasn’t stopped the right-back from impressing this season out on loan at Norwich where he has been a regular in Paul Lambert’s back four.
Defenders are meant to be solid and reliable and Naughton may not have the class or luck to ever make it back at Spurs, but would be a good option for a lot of Premier League clubs given his talent and understanding of the game.
By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87