Norwich City: Power Ranking the Canaries Squad

There is now only one game to go in the Premier League season, so it seems a good a time as any to look at how the squad has performed. Premier League clubs are seen as having a 25-man squad. 

However, I will focus on 24 players. The likes of Chris Martin, Korey Smith, and Tom Adeyemi will not be considered, nor will Declan Rudd and Jed Steer. I will begin the count at the bottom and move to the top at the end.

Leon Barnett

I think we all have to agree that Leon Barnett looks certain to leave the club during the summer.

Barnett played a fair few games in the early part of the season. However, he has hardly featured for a long time, so it seems the defender will be moving on in the summer. 

Simon Lappin

Simon Lappin is an excellent example of a model professional and always does a shift for the team. However, he has featured infrequently for the first team this season—although, he did get a run-out against Arsenal.

Nevertheless, the versatile squad member is unlikely to be at Carrow Road next season. 

Aaron Wilbraham

Aaron Wilbraham has had some involvement in the second half of the season. However, as much as he puts in a good shift, I think Lambert knows that he doesn't carry the goal threat of a Jackson, Holt or Morison.

So he is unlikely to be offered a new contract.

Elliott Ward

Elliott Ward's Norwich career looks as good as over, and he simply is not good enough for the Premier League.

The defender is out of contract at the end of the season, so he can easily be dispensed of.

He should be an attractive signing for a Championship club. 

Andrew Crofts

Andrew Crofts was an important part of the squad in the Championship. However, in the Premier League, he is now seen as a backup player at best.

The Welsh midfielder is a player that Lambert may want to keep as part of his squad.

But is willing to listen to offers for.

Adam Drury

Drury has been a loyal servant to the club and always put in a performance for the team. He has proved this season that he can still come in and do a job.

But Lambert knows that he has to be managed carefully.

I fear that this will be Drury's last season at Carrow Road, but Norwich could do a lot worse than him. Could he be worth a one-year contract? 

Marc Tierney

It's very difficult to know where to place Marc Tierney.

At the start of the season, the left back would be thought of as a crucial player. However, a lot has changed since then. Injuries have meant that he has hardly featured for a long time.

Honestly, things could go either way for him. Personally, I hope that he comes back and establishes himself as the club's first choice in his position.

But it is more likely that he will be playing outside Norfolk next season. 

James Vaughan

James Vaughan is another player that it is hard to place.

Every Norwich City supporter knows the talent the striker has. But his injury record is a cause for concern.

Hopefully, Vaughan can put his problems behind him and perform for Norwich.

However, Lambert may decide that he can't carry a player that picks up so many injuries, so may decide to move him on during the summer. 

Daniel Ayala

Norwich City fans have not had a great opportunity to see Daniel Ayala. However, he is young and talented, and can be a Norwich player for many years.

But it is unclear what his current role is and how he fits in for the short term.

There are also some concerns on his fitness.

Zak Whitbread

Zak Whitbread has been in and out of the team, and injuries have also played their part. However, most Norwich fans realize he is a talented player and also experienced.

But the USA defender is out of contract at the end of the season, so his future is under some doubt. 

David Fox

I think many of us see David Fox as a very important player. But we can't be 100 percent sure that Paul Lambert agrees with this.

He is another one of the players that is out of contract at the end of the season.

And it is a slight concern that Fox has been dropped from the starting team in recent games, but he is one that Lambert should hold on to. 

Andrew Surman

Andrew Surman has played a fair few games this season, and I'm sure that Lambert will see him as important player for next season. He is certainly a player that gives Norwich options and balance.

He has also proved this season that he is capable of playing at Premier League-level.

Steve Morison

I think most of us would agree that Steve Morison has had a mixed first season at Carrow Road. But he has played a big part for Norwich, and his goal against Arsenal shows he is till hungry to play his part.

I fully expect Morison to stay at Carrow Road and get better. 

Russell Martin

It is hard to call how Russell Martin will be used next season.

He has played well this season when used as a center back and right back. However, I expect he will want to show what he can do at right back for next season.

What he has shown is he won't let the team down. 

Simeon Jackson

Simeon has done a great job for the team this season. He perhaps hasn't scored as many goals as he would like, but has caused plenty of problems.

I expect Lambert will see him as an important weapon to have next season. 

Elliott Bennett

Elliott Bennett took a bit of time to adjust to the Premier League.

But now that he has, he is starting to look very good.

He will have wanted to score more goals, but that may well come in his second season at Carrow Road. 

Wes Hoolahan

Wes Hoolahan has shown the world what a good footballer he is.

But he may find that Lambert will begin to lessen his importance.

Nevertheless, he will be part of Norwich City's plans next season and will likely contribute goals and assists. 

Bradley Johnson

Bradley Johnson divides fans, but he has had a fairly good season in Norfolk. How he figures next season will depend on summer transfers.

But he will involved around the first team.

And we know that he is tough in the tackle and likes to have a shot. 

Jonny Howson

Jonny Howson was only signed in the January 2012 transfer window, but he has already shown what an important player he is for the team.

The amount of times that Lambert has used him suggests he is the sort of player he is looking build around. Howson offers creativity and goals from midfield.

Kyle Naughton

Kyle Naughton may only be on loan, but he has proved to be a vital part of the squad, so Lambert will look to make him a permanent addition to his young squad in the summer.

The fact that he can play at left or right back makes him that bit more appealing.

Ryan Bennett

Ryan Bennett is another player that has not been at Norwich City very long. However, he has showed in that time what a capable player he is.

I think most of us would be surprised if he doesn't end up starting games for Norwich City next season.

Anthony Pilkington

Anthony Pilkington has been the best of Paul Lambert's summer signings. The winger has produced assists and goals.

There is competition in the squad so he won't start every game. But he is clearly very much in Paul Lambert's first-team plans.

Grant Holt

Grant Holt has had another massive season at Carrow Road. The goals that he has scored in the Premier League has played a massive part in keeping the club in the league.

Holt may not play as many games next season, but he will still be a very important player.

John Ruddy

John Ruddy has been superb for Norwich this season. The defense may have conceded a lot of goals, but without Ruddy's heroics, that tally would have been much higher.

I fully expect that Paul Lambert will continue to use him next season as his main goalkeeper.

Also, don't be surprised if he gets some international recognition before long.

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