I live in Norwich; a city full of Canaries’ enthusiasts, who are extremely proud of their teams’ achievements over the past few years. Their success has lead to many of the side’s influential players being heralded as Norwich legends by the home fans. Grant Holt is a prime example of this – plucked from a career stuck in the lower divisions and given a new lease of life by Paul Lambert. He’s been granted the freedom to express himself against the very best defenders in the Premier League and the stats speak volumes for his efforts. He’s scored 14 goals in the league this season which is the second highest total by an English player, behind Wayne Rooney.
The form of Grant Holt has given the chance for Wes Hoolahan to blossom once again in a Norwich City shirt. His performance against Arsenal on Saturday was one of the best I have seen from a Norwich player this season, epitomising the talent that this man possesses. His running off the ball was first class and he surpassed Arsenal’s midfield in terms of possession and quality of passing. Therefore, it baffles me as to how he has still not been given a chance to pull on the green jersey by Giovanni Trappatoni.
Hoolahan began his career in Ireland, playing 133 times for Shelbourne before loan spells at Scottish side Livingston and Blackpool, where he signed permanently the next season. He was primarily deployed as a central midfield player during the early stages of his career and he was held in high regard by the Blackpool fans. He is an unorthodox footballer – short but incredibly skilful. He has a good eye for a killer pass and many teams took notice of his traits, therefore resulting in interest from numerous Championship clubs.
This lead to a deal being struck with Norwich City, in a swap deal for keeper Matthew Gilks. Hoolahan spent most of his first season on the sidelines, during the time when the Canaries suffered relegation to the third tier of English football. However, when Paul Lambert was appointed as Norwich manager, he made Wes Hoolahan the first name on his team sheet before every match. He and Grant Holt have formed a formidable partnership in the Norwich attack and the two have been the outstanding players in the Canaries’ surge to the Premier League. Lambert wanted Hoolahan to push forward at every opportunity (eventually playing in behind the strikers as an attacking midfielder) and Norwich reaped the rewards of this man’s majestic talent and vision.
The main problem with Hoolahan is he doesn’t get the notice he deserves. Swansea’s pass-masters Joe Allen and Leon Britton have received tonnes of accolades and plaudits this season and rightly so. But the Irish playmaker is just as good as these two. Therefore, how he has been overlooked by Trappatoni is beyond me. Glenn Whelan of Stoke, Darron Gibson of Everton, Keith Andrews of West Brom and Keith Fahey of Birmingham have all been selected as Ireland’s central midfielders for the European Championships. In my opinion, Hoolahan is amongst the best midfielders Ireland have at their disposal. So Mr Trappatoni: take note. You’re missing out on a real talent here.
Read more from me at: journalisted.com/liam-ray. Or follow me on Twitter: @liamray11
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wes is 2 old and has a unique way of playing football,as you said he is an unorthodox footballer . trap has his system which has worked thus far. if its not broke don’t fix it.wes just doesnt fit in.
Bryan Gunn plucked Grant Holt not Paul Lambert…