Southwell: Kenny McLean's void has been problematic for City

When the Scot plays, City function with more cohesion but are also able to implement the game wanted by head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup with greater fluidity, structure and quality. 

Statistically, McLean ranks as one of the most important and involved playmakers in the division. His ability to play progressive balls forward and disrupt defensive structures is an intrinsic quality for Thorup's side. 

Add in his leadership qualities and level of consistency and it encapsulates why Daniel Farke, Dean Smith, David Wagner and now Thorup have made him a key part of their respective squads. 

He is one of those footballers that becomes more noticeable when he isn't in the side. The fact that Norwich have won only two of the last 14 that he's missed speaks volumes about his level of importance. None of those victories has come in the last nine matches.

After a heavy defeat, it is often McLean who is sent out to face up to the testing questions - mainly due to his ability to communicate, transparency, and leadership qualities. 

He’s an emotional player on the pitch. The trademark apologetic arms document that characteristic. It is something that Wagner highlighted back in April when praise was coming in the Scottish international’s direction. 

“He is very emotional, and one of his big improvements since we worked together is that he controlled his emotions better," the ex-City boss said. "He doesn't get out of the game for 10 or 15 minutes [anymore]. He is one of, if not the, most reliable players we have. He is a good person as well."

The decision to lunge into a tackle in the 87th minute of City’s epic comeback draw against Middlesbrough was further evidence of the work to be done in this area. The momentum was with Norwich. The ball was high up the pitch. The tackle was emotionally fuelled, reckless and has proven costly. 

But to add fuel to the fire of an emotional decision, McLean reacted in haste by berating the referee, earning himself an unnecessary misconduct charge and further game ban that means he misses today’s trip to West Brom. 

Kenny McLean is a key cog in Johannes Hoff Thorup's Norwich City machine. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) McLean is self-aware and intelligent, he will know the gravity and costly nature of the errors he made that afternoon more than anyone. Against the context of a mounting injury list, the unforced nature of his suspension will have been of great annoyance to Thorup and the wider dressing room.

He has let them down. He will know that. Norwich have suffered in his absence, with a makeshift and unfit midfield that hasn’t possessed the same control while McLean has been watching on from the sidelines.

City have missed McLean's on-ball and tangible qualities. It has left several young players exposed and needing to grasp Championship games by the neck at an embryonic stage of their careers at the club and, in some cases, in the country. 

Although his lack of fitness offers mitigation, Jacob Sorensen isn't of the same playing profile as McLean and doesn't possess the intensity or quality when moving the ball quickly. Whilst that hasn't been to the detriment of their deep possession, it prevented them from connecting the thirds to attack opponents. 

Oscar Schwartau showed intent against Bristol City, but was often acting on his own. Amankwah Forson is visibly struggling for form. Emiliano Marcondes has barely had a locker at Colney for more than five minutes. Anis Ben Slimane has been forced to fast-track his recovery from a hamstring issue to great risk. 

It's not to say that McLean would have prevented any of the issues if he remained in the side, but it would have made the midfield decimation more manageable. Those younger players exposed would have been able to lean on him for support. 

Kenny McLean watched on during Norwich City's defeat to Bristol City before the break. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) That absence has been compounded by Marcelino Nunez being sidelined. The pair have been so vital to City gaining control of midfield areas and converting 50-60pc possession into dominance and the construction of chances. 

So yes, City are missing Josh Sargent as a natural number nine option; who wouldn't? But they are also missing a balanced and capable midfield capable of arming the forward options to a greater degree than merely Borja Sainz from range. 

It hasn't been about a forward option missing quantities of high-quality chances; it's been a general struggle to move them away from the periphery and into the main thread of a game. It is down to individuals in part, but that accountability can only come from a fluent structure. 

Ante Crnac and Emiliano Marcondes haven't proven the answer to City's striking conundrum, but the solution relies on midfielders capable of finding them. It isn't about a mass involvement from the striker, but they do need to see the ball. 

Kenny McLean's experience has been missing from Norwich City's midfield. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) When McLean does come back in midweek, he will need to show more care given he is a booking away from another one-game suspension. Norwich just cannot afford that as they seek to rediscover their early-season progress. 

In many ways, it is a compliment to the player McLean has developed into and the reliance that City have placed on his capabilities. Perhaps an under-the-radar recruitment hole left vacant this summer was the lack of competition or viable replacement for the experienced Scot. 

City will have to ride out one more game without him. Luckily, there is now light appearing at the end of the tunnel when it comes to their fixture list.