Norwich City: Picking a Starting XI to Get the Best out of Their Summer Signings

Chris Hughton has certainly put his own unique stamp on Norwich City through the signings that he has made. However, he needs to ensure that he gets the blend right between the new signings, and the players that were here previously.

So, it is vital that the mix is right to ensure the new signings are utilized correctly.

John Ruddy (Goalkeeper)

Mark Bunn has been signed from Blackburn to offer Ruddy some serious competition. But the new signing must realize that he faces a major test to displace the England goalkeeper.

I think it is quite possible that Bunn will not be seen at all in the Premier League this season, but his sheer presence on the bench will keep Ruddy on top form. 

Javier Garrido (Left-Back)

Spanish defender Javier Garrido has joined the club on loan for the season from Lazio, and his previous experience with Manchester City will be very useful this season. The early games of the new campaign suggest that Garrido will get a lot more game time than Marc Tierney.

Sebastien Bassong (Centre-Back)

Sebastien Bassong has already showed his quality in the short time that he has been at the club, and could well prove to keep fellow new signing Michael Turner out of the side. The former Spurs player could provide the key to a much improved defensive performance this season than was seen in the last campaign.

Leon Barnett (Centre-Back)

Things can change very quickly in football, some weeks ago the suggestion of naming Leon Barnett in a Norwich City team would have been laughed at. But Hughton was brave enough to do it, the partnership between him and Bassong has looked very strong.

So much so that England U21 player Ryan Bennett is currently being left out of the side—something that will be a surprise to a lot of the fans.

Russell Martin (Right-Back)

I think at the start of the season most fans expected Steven Whittaker to be the first choice in this position. But the player that signed from Rangers has suffered from injury problems, so Martin has grasped his opportunity. He has played well enough to stay in the side.

Andrew Surman (Left-Winger)

Anthony Pilkington has been playing in this position recently, the club have other options such as Elliott Bennett and Simon Lappin. But it is Andrew Surman I would like to get the opportunity to make the position his own.

He is a quality left-sided player and gives Norwich a perfect balance on that side of the pitch. I also think he is one of the most underrated players at the football club.

Alexander Tettey (Central Defensive Midfielder)

Bradley Johnson has been in this position and has performed superbly well. But I just don't think Norway international Alexander Tettey was signed to be a squad player, and it's only a matter of time before he makes this place his natural home.

But he will face competition from Johnson and David Fox to be a holding midfielder in the side.

Jonny Howson (Central Attacking Midfielder)

Jonny Howson has impressed nearly every fan since joining the club last season. He has really made the attacking midfielder role his own, and that process looks set to continue under Hughton. But he does need to make sure he adds more goals to his game to stay in the team.

It will also be interesting to see where Wes Hoolahan and Jacob Butterfield fit into Chris Hughton's plans. 

Robert Snodgrass (Right-Winger)

Robert Snograss is an early contender for Norwich City's signing of the season. It is early days but his performances in the last two games have been highly impressive. If he keeps playing this well then he will make the position on the right his own.

Harry Kane (Striker)

The late transfer deadline day signing of Harry Kane caught every Norwich City fan by surprise. So much so that it's unlikely Hughton sees him as a squad player. Some people in the know have suggested that he is a natural finisher, but doesn't always bring much more to the side.

This means that if he scores goals then fans will be happy, but if he has a slow start then things might be harder for him. Nevertheless, Grant Holt needs some help and Kane may prove to be the answer.

He will have Simeon Jackson and Chris Martin as competition, but both of these players may find themselves used as impact subs.

Grant Holt (Striker)

It is really important that Norwich City get the most out of Grant Holt, and that means using him on a regular basis. Most people would agree that he has made a slow start, but Holt proved what he can do last season. And I'm confident that he will prove himself again this campaign.

Although, Steve Morison is also in the squad as useful competition.

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