01 Aug 2026 21:02:15
I would never call people out for having a difference of opinion. After all, Football very much is a game of opinions. Everyone has their own thoughts on what would and wouldn't make a good signing.
For me (and obviously a lot of others) - does the lad improve us, absolutely he does. For those that don't, I think their opinion will quickly change when they have seen what he brings to us on the pitch.
We have lost Gana and are crying out for a DM. Imo, Hackney, Rohl, Tim are not good enough defensively to play there. Jimmy can play there, of course, because he is just such a well-rounded footballer but he is better being allowed a more attacking role and can influence the game to a greater degree.
As some have pointed out, Nørgaard isn't necessarily a destroyer/disruptor that goes hunting for the ball but what he does have, is great positioning, anticipation, reading of the game and defensive intelligence, which allows him to put out fires and stop danger before it develops. He is adept at cutting off passing lanes with interceptions rather than relying purely on tackles and "the dirty work". That being said, he is strong in tackles and aggressive without being reckless (1 red in 129 games) .
Perhaps what will give us the most benefit is his ability to know when to press and when to hold. Too many times does our 6 go hunting and leave gaping holes in behind - the bigger/better teams exploit this quite easily. He provides a great screen for the CB's and let's face it, ours need it. His defensive discipline allows the team to maintain a very good structure/shape and will allow the likes of Jimmy and KDH the licence to go and attack, without the worry of leaving us exposed.
On the ball he rarely gets caught out of position and is a decent passer of the ball. He doesn't over complicate things and doesn't take unnecessary risks. He has the footballing awareness and generally underrated skill to get the ball to the more attacking and technical players as quickly as possible, playing forward when the opportunity presents itself and is decent at switching the play. One thing that probably goes under the radar is his ability in the air and is very useful at defending set-pieces.
He is a former Captain. A vocal organiser and strong voice on the pitch - something which a lot of our players do not do.
I appreciate he is not the most glamourous signing but he is an astute piece of business imo and I for one am very happy to have been surprised by coming on this site this afternoon and reading that he looks to be joining.
01 Aug 2026 23:07:15
Hopefully, he can come in like Gareth Barry did, and just play that screening role in a deep lying midfield. Was he a failed Man City reject? I think anyone coming from in and around the top four first teams probably improves our first eleven in some way.
02 Aug 2026 02:15:50
Garath Barry mk 2.
02 Aug 2026 05:02:05
We need players like him as the foundation. No point having Jimmy & KDH of there is nobody behind them doing the hard graft.
Un-spectacular yes. Vital, also yes.
A lot of people here have no understanding of the groundwork players like him lay down. He will hopefully marshal the midfield & help develop our younger players.
UTFT NSNO. ? ? ?