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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Expert Roundup feature, which provides three quotes from those in the know in order to illuminate fundamental strengths, weaknesses, quirks, stylistic comparisons and general observations of players, transfer targets and confirmed signings.
Few saw this coming. Even factoring in a very successful loan stint in the Dutch second tier with Fortuna Sittard at the start of 2018 and even after making 24 starts for Norwich City last term as the Canaries resided on the highest perch of the Championship, nobody outside of East Anglia anticipated one of this season’s breakout stars to be Todd Cantwell.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder certainly had the potential to become a permanent fixture in Norwich’s first team but that aside, where is his array of England youth caps? Where was the usual buzz and transfer gossip that typically surrounds a highly promising young English talent?
Regardless, in the Canaries’ first three games back in the top flight the local lad – born and raised in nearby Dereham – has greatly impressed, proving himself a useful foil to the free-scoring Teemu Pukki and in doing so now comes overdue international recognition in the form of a first call-up to the England under 21s last week.
Perhaps it’s time we got properly acquainted with Cantwell, a player who is presently out-performing some very well established names in the Premier League.
To do this where better for Football Fancast to start than assessing the views of those who know him best…
Daniel Farke – Norwich coach
The German coach is not one to talk up his emerging young players – that includes too defender Ben Godfrey and highly-rated right back Max Aarons – and that comes across here as Farke discusses his prodigy following Norwich’s 2-1 win over Rotherham last term.
Indeed the short passage below acts as a perfect example of a coach offering encouragement with one hand while signalling a warning with the other. As per the Eastern Daily Press:
“I am totally happy with how Todd develops and how he influences our game. But he has not won the Champions League or the World Cup, he has not worn the Three Lions on his shirt, and when I think how many goals and assists we have so far then we can add something.”
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Richard Phillis – Cantwell’s PE teacher
If Farke’s warning suggests that further work and dedication is required from his young charge to make it to the top then that shouldn’t be a problem. According to Phillis – who taught the player as a schoolboy at Northgate High school – Cantwell has always been prepared to roll up his sleeves for the cause. As per the Eastern Daily Press:
“He worked so hard for the team and contributed above and beyond. He was confident and committed and could turn a game on its head with his unbelievable skill and talent.”
The video below remind exactly why we’ve missed Norwich fans in the top-flight…
Neil Adams – Norwich loan manager
In hindsight it was Cantwell’s loan switch to Holland in January 2018 that was the making of him. The man responsible for the move – himself a former Canaries favourite and one-time manager at Carrow Road – is convinced that from here on the only way is up. As per the Eastern Daily Press:
“Todd is a great one! I’ve known him since he was 10-years-old and he’s a great kid.”
“If we could put in front of you a Todd Cantwell from before he went to Sittard, and the one now, you’d think it’s a different person – physically, maturity, experience, confidence. They love him there, the fans want him back and his stock is now so high and he did himself so much credit. He’s a bigger, stronger lad with the way he matured over there too.”
Verdict
Should Cantwell heed his gaffer’s implied words and keep his feet grounded then there is every reason to believe that Norwich may have unearthed a James Maddison MK II.
The buzz starts here.