Why Kellan Fisher now a main player in Thorup's Norwich City

Ever since some impressive outings in pre-season, the Dane has been adamant Fisher would establish a key role in his system given the demands he places on his full-backs and the need for technical proficiency. 

Displacing Jack Stacey is not an easy task, but Fisher has taken to life in Thorup's side like a fish to water. 

The story of his journey to Norwich is romantic, but it partially explains the mindset that has enabled him to enjoy success since moving to Norfolk. 

Fisher has been handed the 'non-league' label owing to his rise from Bromley to the Championship, but even that decision to drop levels was made with his development in mind rather than being a number within an academy set-up. 

Such foresight from those around him to expose him to the rigours of professional football has drastically helped his development. Compared to others at his age, some of which are at Norwich, he is well ahead of them on his journey. 

Fisher turned 20 in May, and has benefited from 47 senior football games at Bromley. His start against Leeds was his 20th in yellow and green, not bad for a player who was purchased with a slot in the development squad in mind. 

Such were his technical and tactical qualities that David Wagner handed him a slot in his squad after an impressive pre-season campaign. This enabled them to save money on a second right-back option after signing Stacey on a free in 2023, but above all else, it was a hat tip to his own performances. 

Wagner proved his preference of experience over youth during his Carrow Road tenure, so the fact Fisher penetrated his first-team speaks volumes about the qualities displayed to enter the German's thoughts. 

Despite the rise of the divisions and progression into City's first team, Fisher's campaign involved some tough moments. He started just three Championship matches and was replaced at half-time in two. 

Kellen Fisher had some tough knocks in his debut Norwich City campaign. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) Those tough knocks undoubtedly added extra steel to his makeup, but he also had the determination to use them as fuel to reach another level. 

Prior to Tuesday night, Fisher hadn't completed a full game in the Championship. That is now another milestone ticked off. In this system, managed by a coach with a strong history of nurturing young talent, he is in capable hands for the next and most important stage of his development. 

Thorup and his coaching team had to discover how best to use Fisher's qualities. In pre-season, he admitted that this would be a puzzle that required solving as the Championship campaign grew older. 

Internally, there was a feeling Fisher would establish himself into the side - but the pace and nature of it has caught some by surprise. 

Yet Thorup is adamant this is the moment for Fisher to grasp. After weeks of building up his knowledge and gaining a greater understanding of his role, the Dane looks to have timed his City run perfectly. 

Thorup identified early that Fisher's qualities could make him a key player in their phases of deep build-up.

The Dane saw the decision to hand him opportunities in midfield as helpful to learning the inverted full-back position that he has slotted into since his introduction into the team - it is further proof of the pre-meditated decision to slot him in at the right moment. 

But then it is down to Fisher to take it, and he has with significant aplomb. 

Fisher spent part of his youth as a midfielder, striker, and right winger, and that ability to take the ball in tight areas and progress has aided their structure while presenting more passing options to defensive duo Jose Cordoba and Shane Duffy. 

That difference to Stacey enables Thorup to be multifaceted and change structure depending on opposition, but Fisher's performances have hit a standard whereby replacing him becomes difficult. 

But it isn't just the sexy aspects of the game that have impressed, it's his willingness to commit to a robust tackle, his love for defending, and his willingness to bark instructions to those that may be senior to him that have also impressed. 

Kellen Fisher has impressed with recent performances in his inverted full back role. (Image: Martyn Haworth) Despite a slight frame and not being the tallest, Fisher's aggression in defensive situations has helped him cope with some difficult wide competitors, such as Ken Sema, Largie Ramazani, and Willy Gnoto. 

In that sense, Fisher is a welcome throwback. Someone who combines innovation with fundamentals. His ability to grapple with that inverted role in recent weeks has been incredibly impressive for such a young talent. 

Like Cordoba, it is no coincidence that 'Hoffball' has taken flight more since he was pushed into that role. Despite Stacey's experience and standing in the dressing room, Fisher has now emerged as a key player under Thorup. 

There has been a noticeable change within his mindset. Fisher has grown into life at second-tier level. There is a new-found confidence and self-assured nature that has accompanied the impressive performances. 

The next challenge is about how both Fisher and City adapt now teams are aware of their desire to invert full-backs and build up in a two-three structure. 

Thorup handed Fisher opportunities in midfield during pre-season. (Image: Martyn Haworth) If that is the case, then City has Stacey's vertical running and direct nature to which to turn. It allows a versatility that will make it difficult for opposition teams to prepare when conducting their homework on City. 

But the youngster has shown in his outings so far that he possesses the tools to complete a range of roles, even when being forced to change to left-back against the league's best wide man, he copied amicably. 

Consistency is the next target, but there is no reason why that won't follow Fisher's standout few weeks.