Norwich City column: Borja Sainz grabs the headlines but return of Kenny McLean is key

Tuesday night’s demolition of Plymouth Argyle was the perfect response to a difficult period for Johannes Hoff Thorup’s Norwich City.

Some might have expected a cagey performance from a side whose confidence must have been dented by a run of seven games without a win.

But those fears were allayed within two minutes, thanks to Borja Sainz’s quick-fire opener.

It sparked a display full of attacking intent, fluidity and aggression to blow Wayne Rooney’s side away.

Sainz rightly received the headlines, going on to complete his second hat-trick of the season – and I’m running out of superlatives to describe the Spaniard.

To be the top scorer in the Football League is simply sensational – especially when he is not even a striker. It is also a real testament to the work the 23-year-old has put in to improve his game.

With January approaching, it feels only a matter of time before the vultures start to circle. But for now, we can only continue to enjoy what is turning into one of the most impressive individual terms we have seen from a Norwich player in recent times.

For all the goals, the biggest factor in the upturn was the return of Kenny McLean from his four-match suspension. Of that, I have no doubt.

Over a number of years, McLean has shown himself to be the heartbeat of this side, despite criticism from some quarters.

Even at 32-years-old, he continues to get better year-on-year, both on and off the ball.

Technically, he is very competent – and is so often the man to turn defence into attack with a smart pass through the lines.

But it is his work off the ball, running the hard yards, winning the important tackles, which often goes unheralded. As do his leadership qualities.

After nearly 250 appearances, I’m pleased to see his contribution finally start to be fully appreciated. Long may it continue.