Josh Sargent exploits mean Norwich City supporters won't see much of new signing: View | OneFootball

David Wagner has now managed to help Norwich City push for a play-off place, after a tricky first half of the season.

The Canaries picked up 14 points from their first six games, looking like one of the teams to beat at the start of the campaign.

But the next few months were poor, which led to them falling all the way down to the bottom half of the table.

But since then, they have now put themselves in a strong position for a finish in the top six. Norwich are currently sitting in seventh place, and are outside the play-offs by just two points.

Despite their recent form, the Canaries only made one signing in the January transfer window, and so far it has not gone to plan.

January move a failure so far

Norwich’s only signing in the January window came on Deadline Day, and it was Sydney van Hooijdonk.

The Dutch striker joined on loan until the end of the season from Italian Serie A side Bologna.

He came in as a late replacement for Adam Idah, who left for Celtic on loan for the rest of the season.

But so far the 24-year-old’s temporary move to England has not gone to plan.

So far he has been limited to just four substitute appearances for the Canaries, assisting one goal in 60 Championship minutes.

Wagner recently spoke about van Hooijdonk, saying that he currently has issues with his fitness.

He said: “Don’t put this boy under too much pressure. Fitness wise he needs to improve. He knows this and I know this. But I have lots of trust that in a few weeks he can impact us.”

So far, van Hooijdonk has barely made an impression, and problems with his fitness are not ideal for a player they brought in to have an instant impact.

Sargent’s form will not help van Hooijdonk’s case

The one major thing that will not help van Hooijdonk is the brilliant form of his striking teammate, Josh Sargent.

The American has been in brilliant form this season, despite a significant ankle injury that kept him on the sidelines for four months.

Up until his injury, the 24-year-old scored three goals and got an assist in five games. Since his return, he has scored another eight goals in ten games.

This means that despite only playing in under half of Norwich’s league games, he is their second top scorer so far.

But Sargent’s scintillating form is only going to prevent van Hooijdonk from further appearances.

Sargent is a man in form at the moment and Wagner can not afford to drop him under any circumstances, and he is vital for their play-off push.

The former Werder Bremen striker can also play in attacking midfield, but it is not worth moving Sargent from his best position, just to suit a player that has been disappointing so far.

Ultimately for van Hooijdonk, it is going to take a big ask from him to see him make an impact on Norwich’s attack before the end of the season.