FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 REPLACE BUENDIA

In 2019- 20, the Argentine was statistically the Premier League’s second- most creative player, after one Kevin De Bruyne. Since then, Buendia has increased his goal threat, perfected his through- balls and added strong challenges, making him seem almost irreplaceable. Norwich’s recruitment has excelled before, however, and it must excel again.

2 ADD MIDFIELD STEEL

The Canaries spent years searching for a younger, more mobile equivalent to Alex Tettey and finally found one in Skipp, a key man in the 2020- 21 title win. Lukas Rupp and Jacob Sorensen could claim to deserve more midfield opportunities but, with the Premier League being so unforgiving, Farke must retain or – more likely – replace the tremendous Tottenham tackler.

3 DON’T BURN OUT PUKKI

Selfless graft, clever link- up play and well- timed runs in behind define Teemu Pukki’s game, but the Finland regular has to be kept fresh. Jordan Hugill is a good Championship striker but not Premier League quality, while Adam Idah is untested. Norwich must avoid overworking Pukki by adding a frontman suitable for Farke’s system, particularly if Milot Rashica – a versatile attacker signed from relegated Werder Bremen – is needed on the wing.

4 TIGHTEN UP AT SET- PIECES

Having leaked 16 set- piece goals in the Premier League, Norwich halved that number in the Championship last term and should defend their penalty area better this time around. Five of the players brought in since the relegation stand at 6ft or taller, and a more prominent role for the commanding Hanley suggests the Canaries will be bullied no more.

5 BE RUTHLESS

Not a single player who started any Championship matches during 2018- 19 subsequently departed Carrow Road. Though Norwich did well to retain key men in 2019, they kept players who weren’t up to Premier League standard. With a clearer idea of the requirements, now is the time for calculated action.