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‘I think it can click’ – The words all Norwich City fans hope come true following injured star’s impressive return
Norwich City can't rely on the performances of Alex Pritchard and James Maddison to get promoted, argues Michael Taylor. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Supporters cannot wait to see more of James Maddison and Alex Pritchard combining for Norwich City – and one of the duo is just as excited about what the future holds.
Maddison has been City's shining light this season, making a real impact across the Championship in his first second-tier season.
The 21-year-old's opportunity may have been aided by the pre-season ankle injury that left Pritchard needing surgery, and having to wait until Saturday's win over Sheffield Wednesday for his first start.
That victory saw Pritchard assist Maddison's equaliser, before Maddison turned provider for Timm Klose's bullet header – while in general play, there was more than enough to suggest Daniel Farke can lick his lips at the prospect of two Championship heavyweights showing what they can do in yellow and green.
'That was mine and Alex's first start together and we know the quality he brings,' said Maddison. 'The fans know that and we know that as a team. Just to get him back on the pitch firing is a massive lift.
'Definitely it can work with us both. With quality, with a player like Pritch, he just fits into any team. He played off the left and the right on Saturday. He stayed wide, he drifted in. He put in a really good performance – especially as it was his first start.
'He ran a lot. I imagine the running distance for him would be very high. That's hard to do coming back into the team for your first start – and he had to do that, to be honest.
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'We all know what quality he has got and if he keeps working like he does, I think it can click.'
What price Alex Pritchard's continuing presence at Norwich City this season? We may be about to find out. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Maddison has hit an impressive rhythm this term, despite his relatively tender age and experience.
However, what the young midfielder does not want to see is Pritchard's return set him aside for a break from action.
'It was a general thing and had been put in the press that maybe Maddison needs a rest or whatever, because I'm a young lad playing regularly in the Championship,' added Maddison.
James Maddison was linked with Everton earlier this season. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
'But I don't want a rest. I feel good, I feel fit and I'm producing good quality. A rest is the last thing on my mind.
'I get kicked a lot. I've seen a stat that I'm the most fouled player in the Championship. But I just take that as a backhanded compliment. I'll keep getting up and keep going.'
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