Emiliano Buendía: The Man Driving Norwich to Promotion

Since arriving from Getafe in June 2018, Emiliano Buendía has become one of those players that you just have to watch; somebody who puts bums on seats (or at least did prior to COVID-19 regulations). The Argentine attacking midfielder's sensational form has driven Norwich City to the top of the Championship table with 9 goals and 11 assists in 25 appearances; after 31 matchdays, the Canaries currently have a seven-point cushion over Brentford in first place. 

Capable of playing on either flank or behind the center forward, Buendía has mainly played on the right flank of Norwich's 4-2-3-1 under Daniel Farke this season. Playing alongside Mario Vrančić, Todd Cantwell and Teemu Pukki in attack, Buendía thrives in the 'advanced playmaker' role, popping up in pockets of space in between midfield of defense and roaming around the final third to receive in dangerous positions.

Using his intelligent movement, he will drift into areas to occupy the opposition defense, attracting the opposition players towards him, and leaving huge gaps for his teammates to exploit. In the below example against Bristol City, Buendía drifts infield to attract the opposing right wingback (Jack Hunt) towards him, before darting in behind the defense. Kenny McLean spots his run and lofted pass towards him, which Buendía does remarkably well to control before dinking it past Daniel Bentley and into the bottom left corner.