ACADEMY – January report card for the Under-18s and Under-U21s

Despite some setbacks, 2022 was a hugely encouraging year for the young Canaries, with them making it into their first-ever PL2 Division 2 Play-Off campaign and many players committing their futures to the club. 

However, the most satisfying thing was seeing Jon Rowe, Jon Tomkinson, Tony Springett and Liam Gibbs making their full debuts for the club. Here’s hoping for more similar storylines in 2023.

With the January transfer window upon us, and it being the halfway point of the season, I thought it would be a good time to review the season so far of every U18 and U21 player. 

Strap yourselves in for a detailed read on the 33 academy players: 

UNDER-18s

Leon Giller – GK  

It was a challenging start to the season for Leon, as he only played one U18 game until December. Unfortunately for him, fellow goalkeeping teammate, Caleb Ansen, was in splendid form. However, Leon’s chance to feature for the U18s came in early December against Tottenham Hotspur. He went on to play four games that month, including the FA Youth Cup tie against Burnley and played well. One of his notable performances came against Southampton U18s, in which he kept a clean sheet against a strong Saints side, which included a player – Dom Ballard – who has scored for their first team this season. 

Caleb Ansen – GK   

He has been one of the U18s’ star players this season. From being scouted by Norwich at an early age to earning a professional contract, Caleb’s time with the Canaries has been successful so far. He has played ten games this season, kept one clean sheet and produced several man-of-the-match performances. Ansen is good at saving penalties too, with one of them coming against Manchester City U18s, in an important PL Cup match. He is a commanding figure for the U18s too, as he likes to have consistent dialogue with his backline. One area of his game that needs developing is his distribution. He’s a powerful kicker from goal kicks, but his effectiveness to find a teammate can go up another level. 

Benjy McCabe – RB/LB

A player that wears his heart on his sleeve. That, unfortunately, went against him when he picked up a concerning injury against Fulham in early December but it now looks like he’s ready to start the second half of the season. McCabe has played ten times this season while collecting an assist and a clean sheet. The U18 Premier League has numerous tricky wide players who have a tendency to be direct and challenge your speed but Benjy has stood up to the challenge on most occasions. The challenge for him now is to provide more of an outlet from an attacking perspective, as he has the ability to do so. I’d envisage Benjy to spend the whole season with the U18s so that he can develop from an attacking perspective. 

Charlie Campbell – CB

Campbell had a hugely encouraging start to the season, as he spent the vast proportion of pre-season playing with the U21s but hasn’t featured for the 18s and 21s for a while now. When appearing in the early stages of the season, Campbell demonstrated his ability to play out from the back, while being a challenging defender for attackers to get past. I’d imagine Campbell will return with the U18s when he returns from his absence. 

Alfie Doy – CB

It’s been a very successful start to the season for Alfie. He has really imposed himself in central defence, where he’s formed a solid partnership alongside England youth international, Waylon Renecke. Alfie has showcased his personality on the pitch this season, by being aggressive in duels – attempting to win the ball back for the team. His agility to make recovery tackles is impressive too as the U18s can get caught out at times. He has a tendency to be brave in possession, as he constantly looks to play out from the back neatly and will be a prominent figure throughout the remainder of the U18s’ season. 

Waylon Renecke – CB/LB

He has featured in the majority of the U18s games this season. Similarly to Doy, Renecke is an athletic defender. He has played 13 games this season, scoring once and accomplishing two clean sheets. Renecke has shown consistent signs of composure this season, which gives the whole team confidence. The club rightly believe he has huge potential, so I wouldn’t rule out a professional contract in the near future. In terms of the rest of this season, Renecke will continue to play U18s games, with the potential of some U21s involvement. 

Uriah Djedje – CDM/CM/CB

I absolutely love watching this lad play! Djedje has had a strong start to the U18s’ season. He is extremely effective at reading patterns of play and making crucial interceptions. Uriah has played alongside U18 captain, Finley Welch this season and the pair have complimented each other nicely, as Djedje offers a good standard of protection to the back four, while Welch provides the attacking impetus. Djedje has played 14 games this season and has been involved in one clean-sheet performance. His intelligence has impressed me this season, as he has a good understanding of the game, whether that’s joining a press, or sitting into a compact shape. It’s a huge positive that he’s evolving into an intelligent midfielder at the young age of just 16. His game still needs polishing, but there is plenty to get excited about. It’s likely he will play the whole season with the U18s.

Pedro Amadou – RW/CAM/ST

Despite him not having a vast amount of minutes for the U18s this season, there has been evidence of promise. Pedro’s game is really exciting as he’s a player that can create an opportunity due to his dribbling attributes. Amadou has struggled with consistency in the starting XI due to the fact that Ken Aboh and Michael Reindorf have established a positive strike partnership. If Aboh progresses into the U21s this season then Amadou will likely get a run of games. 

Alfie Pinyoun – RB/LB

It’s been a unique season for Pinyoun as this is his first full season, playing as a full-back. He used to ply his trade in central midfield and even had a few appearances in that role last season for the U18s. There are elements of his positive midfield play that he demonstrates at right back, which include crossing accuracy, the ability to connect with the midfield and his stamina to cover a huge proportion of the pitch. Pinyoun has featured 11 times for the U18s this season, contributing with an assist and two clean sheets. It’ll be interesting to see how his season continues to play out and if he continues his development at fullback. Positive signs at the moment.

Finley Welch – CM

He has been instrumental for the U18s this season. Most of the positive play goes through Welch – a character that the U18s look up to. He has scored four and assisted twice this season, as well as playing 1246 minutes of U18s football. His ability to impact games offensively this season has been the major difference compared to last. The captaincy responsibility has enhanced his game too, as he’s stepped up for the team in critical situations. If Fin’s performances continue on this trajectory, then becoming a U21 regular could come sooner rather than later. He has already played for the 21s this season but hasn’t played a huge amount of minutes. 

Alex Roberts – LW/ST

Unfortunately for Alex, his season has been disrupted, due to long-term injuries. He made one appearance against Crystal Palace U18 but soon returned to the sidelines. Hopefully, we see more of him with the U18s this season.  

Harrison Thompson – ST/CAM/CM/RB

He has shown his ability to play in several positions for the U18s this season. From playing as a striker, away at Chelsea to playing at right back in the FA Youth Cup, Harrison has had some exposure to league football. He has superb physical abilities, such as his strength and speed. He’s played 12 times, has contributed with an assist and collected two clean sheets. He’s equipped himself well and performed to a good standard. It’ll be interesting, what the second half of the U18s season has in store for him. 

Alex Matos – LW/CAM/ST/RB

From the moment Matos arrived on the U18s scene a couple of years back, he’s always been an incredibly exciting player. Due to his progress, he’s played a healthy amount of U21s football this season – 319 minutes to be precise. The 21s have a strong attacking nucleus with Kamara, Omotoye and Dickson-Peters, meaning that Matos has had to operate in different positions. He played a game at Carrow Road, earlier in the season against West Brom and looked really effective in a central area due to his penetration. He also had a game at right back, starting that match brilliantly until he got sent off. He has had a promising season with the U18s too, scoring twice and assisting once in seven games. The club values Matos but he needs the opportunity in a certain position for the 21s so that he can execute consistent performances. 

Ken Aboh – ST

It was a brilliant 2022 for Ken as he surpassed double figures for goals. He’s a really exciting prospect for Norwich. He is a unique striker, compared to any we’ve had at the club before as he is a small, agile, and extremely strong striker, which enables the U18s to feed the ball to him with confidence. He is the top goalscorer for the U18s this season, scoring seven times. One trait I’ve been impressed with is his ability to play at a high standard despite having various striking partnerships. He has played with Thompson, Reindorf, Myles, Amadou and others this season but has always adapted. But Aboh has so much more to his game than just goals and, hopefully, he’ll have the opportunity to prove that for the U21s. 

Michael Reindorf – ST

Over the last few weeks before Christmas, Michael finally accumulated some goal contributions, although he’s been deserving of so much more this season. He has notched up two assists in nine games. Towards the back end of December, he formulated a partnership with free-scoring Ken Aboh, and they complimented each other really nicely up top. The speed and the ball-carrying qualities they both possess make Norwich a dangerous team when they win turnovers. In order for Michael to take his performances to the next level, he needs to continue adding goals to his game, as he creates good situations for himself. I suspect Reindorf will continue with the U18s this season, with a few appearances with the U21s before the season concludes.

Dubem Eze – CAM/LW/CM

After missing some games at the start of the season, Dubem has come back to the team and played to a good standard. He has played ten games and scored three and has demonstrated his tactical understanding this season by always picking up good attacking positions – resulting in him having a lot of clear-cut chances. He can connect the ball nicely, from the middle third to the attacking third, which ultimately makes the team more progressive. He will continue the season with the U18s, with potential opportunities of U21s involvement. 

Special mentions also to Henry Bullen, Jaiden Owen, Tyler Williams, Lloyd Ofori, Toby Chilvers, Miles Bracking, Elliot Myles and Damari Daley who’ve all represented the U18s this season, as U16 and U17 players. 

UNDER-21s 

Jayden St Paul – GK

It’s been a demoralising time for Jayden, as he has been ruled out all season due to injury. Hopefully, Jhe will make a return before the season concludes. 

David Aziaya – GK

He has had an unfortunate season due to a lack of game time. However, the one game for the U21s that Aziaya did feature in was against Leeds and after taking some time to grow into the game, he performed to a good standard. Leeds tested his goal constantly and he made crucial saves to deny them. Aziaya went on a short-term loan to the Isthmian South East League side Faversham Town (same level of football as Wroxham and Gorleston) but only played 45 minutes. Aziaya may get a consistent opportunity to play with the U21s this season, depending on if his fellow goalkeeping teammates head out on loan.

Ben Watt – CM/RB

It’s been enjoyable watching Ben play this season and in a new position too. He has played 11 games, scoring once and assisting twice, playing predominantly in central midfield, and has adapted to the challenge nicely. He has demonstrated his right-back characteristics, into the centre of midfield. For example, his ability to read passages of play and intercept the ball is very strong and he’s also shown bravery from that central midfield role, as he’s happy to drive the ball up the pitch leading to him winning fouls so Norwich can retain possession. He’s positive on the ball too, as he’s effective at releasing the ball early, which is to the benefit of Kamara, Dickson-Petersw and Omotoye. I’d envisage that Ben will play the remainder of the U21s’ season.

Brad Hills – CB

It’s been quite a year for Brad Hills. On Saturday 22nd January 2022, he was playing in a 4-1 defeat against Reading U18s but has now picked up a second professional contract (until 2025), played for the first team in pre-season, been on the bench for Norwich in the Championship, and playing consistently well for the 21s. His academy career has accelerated, in the last twelve months as before that he had sustained periods of starting for the U18s, alongside fellow centre-back Lewis Shipley. Hills has many strengths including, his aerial dominance in both boxes, his composure to play out from the back and his ability to command a defence. He captained the U18s side for the majority of last season, meaning he had a responsibility to communicate with his defence. I predict that Brad will play the remainder of the 21s season, with a potential view to a loan in the summer.

Jaden Warner – CB

Another central defender who has an exciting future ahead. This is his third season at U21 level and he’s thriving. Warner has demonstrated across his PL2 Division 2 career, his ability to get into good defensive positions, make decisive recovery tackles and play out from the back confidently. This season, he has elevated those strengths as he looks to boost his potential first-team credentials. A useful element to his game is that he can play on the left and the right side of central defence, which makes him an even more exciting prospect. He has played nine times this season, scoring once and accumulating one clean sheet. I believe Jaden is capable of playing first-team football out on loan right now, but the club might have a different perspective. 

Lewis Shipley – LB/CB

One of the players that have played the majority of the U21s season. He has been deployed at left-back, adding real security to the U21 back line and has brought important attributes to the team this season, such as his one-on-one defending, effectiveness at winning headers and his confidence to play the ball into midfield. From a technical perspective, he can improve his end product from delivery crosses. There have also been scenarios where attackers get on the inside channel of him. His defending is developing steadily and will continue to as he has a fantastic attitude. Shipley is likely to spend the remainder of the season with the 21s. 

Marcel McIntosh – RB

Following Marcel’s development was always going to be interesting, especially as he signed for the club in the summer from Forest Green. He has been used at right-back this season and has shown promising moments of quality. He’s also demonstrated pace and composure and has been a reliable asset to the team. Having McIntosh on the right-hand side, and Shipley on the left, makes for a great balance, as Shipley is more defensively-minded, while McIntosh offers creativity from the right. An area of improvement that’s needed is his defensive awareness as there are occasions when his opponent gets the beating of him too often. Overall, McIntosh has made a good start to his Norwich career, but I’m sure there is more to come. He will be with the U21s for the rest of the season. 

Harry Brooke – CM 

Despite missing a few games for the U21s this season, Brooke has shown his promise in the ones he has played. In some ways, he reminds me of Liam Gibbs as they both have a tendency to attempt to dictate games. Although Harry isn’t on Liam’s level yet, there are similar characteristics. As well as his game being tidy on the ball, he’s also effective off the ball and Brooke is astute at knowing the correct time to press and the time to retreat into shape. With the experience of playing 21s weekly, Brooke’s game is starting to mature and I’m excited to see his career develop. As for the remainder of this season, he’ll most likely be with the 21s. 

Kenny Coker – ST

With the strong competition of Kamara, Omotoye and Dickson-Petersy ahead of him, it’s been a frustrating season for Coker. He has played nine times, all of those league appearances from the bench. Despite it being hard for the management team to include all the attackers, I wish Kenny would get more opportunities to showcase his abilities. He has always been an intelligent player, good at finding pockets of space to create opportunities for himself. He’s also a tireless worker who relishes pressing from the front. The situation of the attacking front three, listed above, will determine if Kenny gets a frequent run of games. 

Joe Duffy – CM

With him having a strong season with the U18s in 2021-22, the next step was always going to be U21s football. Joe has adapted to the challenge well, as he’s top of the charts for assists this season. Similar to last season, Duffy has established an effective relationship with his strikers, and his intelligence to find them is hugely impressive. He is also a combative player off the ball with a tendency to be aggressive, which adds steel in the centre of midfield. It’s likely that Duffy will be with the 21s for the rest of the season. 

Oscar Thorn – ST/RB

Oscar is such a versatile player who gives the team a direct threat due to his speed and willingness to attack players one-on-one. This explains why he’s been deployed at full-back and at striker, as those two positions require a lot of running power. Unfortunately, he hasn’t featured for the team since September, due to injury. Despite his preference to play in an attacking area, I favour him playing full-back, as he adds another dimension to the attacking play. With him playing right back, his defensive work would need to mature, but he’s a character who’d work hard to do so. It’d be fascinating to hear the coaches’ thoughts on Oscar’s best position, as he’s performed to a good standard in many roles. When he returns, he’ll continue to develop with the U21s. 

Flynn Clarke – CAM

After an unfortunate spell at Walsall, at the start of the season, Clarke returned to Norwich. It was a shame that his loan didn’t work as he ended last season in scintillating form. Clarke hasn’t featured much for the U21s, playing just three times. Hopefully, 2023 can be the year that Flynn kicks on again, as there’s a special talent when he’s in a confident frame of mind. 

Sean Stewart – LB

He is a treat to watch when he’s in peak condition. Unfortunately, 2022 was a difficult year for Sean as he picked up many injuries, meaning he struggled to get a consistent run of games. He has all the traits to have a successful career in the game. From a defensive perspective, he’s good at overcoming one-on-one battles, and making crucial interceptions, while from an attacking place he’s equally as effective. He also has a good end product as well as an ability to link up with forwards. He proved his quality when scoring with a remarkable free-kick against Aston Villa. The challenge for Sean is to remain fit and to continue to play games. Northern Ireland also recognise his quality as he gets selected to represent their U21s team. If he doesn’t eventually play for the first team at Norwich, he’ll definitely have a club elsewhere in the pyramid as he’s a big talent. For now, he needs to remain fit and cement his place with the 21s. 

Regan Riley – RB/CM

Similar to last season, Regan has suffered for game time due to injuries. He has played just five games this season, all five being played at right-back or central midfield. He is exceptional at being aggressive and winning the ball for the team – a principle that new manager David Wagner relishes. He’s a player with huge potentia, but Norwich haven’t seen enough of that yet as he’s spent a huge proportion of time on the sidelines. He has 18 months left on his current deal, so the next few months will be important for him. He’s also got a great opportunity coming up, which is to get the 21s into a play-off campaign. I hope everything works out for Regan and he can play a run of games for the U21s. 

Abu Kamara – RW/ST

This man has been absolutely unstoppable for the U21s this season. Every positive stat associated with Norwich U21s has Abu Kamara’s name at the top of it. He’s in remarkable form. The dribbling, the composure in front of goal, the spee -, it’s really exciting what Abu could become. His frame has become bigger, which now enables him to compete with stronger defenders. The truth of the matter is I’d be here all day listing his strengths and the big talking point is what his next step should be. Personally, I’d be all for easing him into the first-team. With Wagner’s squad having a few wingers out of contract in the summer, and with the quality of the attacking options limited at the moment, being on the periphery of the first -team could benefit Abu the most. While there, it would allow him to continue playing for the U21s, which would be ideal to keep his confidence flowing into next season. 

Tom Dickson-Peters – ST

After securing a new professional deal and a loan move last January, TDP wouldn’t have expected to be back with the U21s a year later. However, that’s football – you never know what’s around the corner. One trait of Tom’s that can’t be disputed is his mental resilience. He has played 11 times this season, scoring five and assisting once. Only Kamara has scored more league goals than him this season. TDP is at his best when he’s pressing aggressively, wyhen he’s sharp in his movements and is taking his opportunities. We saw those traits, against Stoke last Friday. The best solution for TDP is to continue with the U21s this season, building up his confidence for a potential loan move in the summer.

Tyrese Omotoye-  LW/ST

It’s been brilliant to see Omotoye back with the 21s and enjoying his football, after challenging loan moves at Swindon, Leyton Orient and Carlisle. He has played ten games this season, scoring three and assisting once. He adds power and directness to the 21s attacking line, qualities that are slightly different to those of TDP and Kamara. Another positive aspect is that he can play any attacking position, and is a disciplined and avid presser. Tyrese should be playing first-team football by the start of next season, but that will most likely be out on loan.