Sunderland must be wary of Maddison
James Maddison has been backed to impress for Norwich City this season – and he could be a big threat when Sunderland visit Carrow Road on Sunday (1.30pm kick-off ).
The 20-year-old, who benefited from a six-month loan stint at Aberdeen last term, hit the third goal in the Canaries’ midweek Carabao Cup victory over Swindon.
Now the focus returns to the league, with experienced midfield partner Wes Hoolahan enthusing: “Madders is a great player. He’s only 20 but the way he moves the ball is great, and he’s very clever with his movement and passing.
“He’s a joy to watch, and I’m just amazed at how good he is.
“We get on well and I speak to him about things – he has a good head on his shoulders and he wants to learn. You can see that in training – his attitude is spot on.”
Norwich are starting anew under boss Daniel Farke and Hoolahan is relishing the extra responsibility he has been handed. “Every day is enjoyable going into training,” the Irishman told the Norwich Evening News. “A lot of sessions, a lot of possession and all the boys are enjoying it. “It’s completely different. “On Tuesday, we were training before the Swindon game, and I haven’t done that in my career. It’s interesting to do and we found it quite a bit of a loosener.
“It’s definitely a different regime and a different stucture, and I think all the boys are enjoying it.”
It will be interesting to see if Farke turns to striker Nelson Oliveira, whose controversial “celebration” of his goal in last week’s Championship opener at Fulham led to his absence against Swindon.
“Nelson is disappointed he hadn’t played, but we move on and talk about the results,” insisted Hoolahan.
“The goal he got on Saturday was brilliant and helped the team out, but we’ll move on and see what happens.
“Obviously the togetherness is always very important and the togetherness in our dressing room at the moment is brilliant. It’s one of the best.”