Norwich City column: Fringe players coming to the fore under David Wagner as City move back in to the Championship top six

The success of David Wagner’s first few months in charge of Norwich City has arguably been underpinned by the performances of players who may have considered themselves on the fringes of the first team for much of this campaign.

Gabriel Sara’s emergence has been much hailed, while it is impossible for anyone not to be delighted to see Onel Hernandez back in the first team and making an impact.

Sara once again wrote the headlines after last Saturday’s magnificent 3-2 win at Millwall.

His exquisite finish – which ultimately proved to be the match-winner – a real goal-of-the-season contender from a player who keeps getting better and better.

But it’s another player who fits into this category, Jacob Sorensen, that I want to talk about. Sorensen’s City career has followed an interesting path. Signed as a central midfielder in the summer of 2021, most of his appearances in yellow have come out of position, predominantly at left back.

While some may see his versatility as a strength, you could argue that it has held him back from really making a significant impression in his favoured role.

Against Millwall, Sorensen was handed a rare start in midfield – and I thought his display showed he has the stomach for the play-off fight.

His technical ability has always been plain to see but Millwall are as physical as they come at this level and Lungi (as he is known) stood up to the challenge.

While there was plenty to like about our attacking performance, particularly during the opening stages of the second half, I feel the three points owed a lot to our defensive resilience in the closing stages.

It’s no exaggeration to say Millwall threw everything at us in a desperate attempt to avoid defeat. One lapse in concentration aside, I’m proud of the way the boys stood firm to secure what could be a massive three points come the end of the season.