Player Analysis: Emiliano Buendía

Norwich City’s dour 2019/20 Premier League campaign came to a predictably disappointing end with The Canaries finishing rock bottom of the table after failing to win a single game during Project Restart, Emiliano Buendía’s season also fizzled out with the Argentine earning himself a straight red card after just 35 minutes in a 2-0 home defeat to Burnley. Many suspected that was the last time Buendia would be seen in the yellow and green of Norwich; he had impressed throughout the season and attracted attention from clubs across Europe. 

But that was not the case. There was a clear interest in Buendía but a transfer never materialised, partly due to the financial implications that COVID-19 had on the summer transfer window. Norwich, as well as Watford and Bournemouth, were able to retain the large bulk of their squad with the likes of Teemu Pukki, Todd Cantwell, and Max Aarons staying in East Anglia as well as Buendía. 

Because of this, Daniel Farke’s side look like they are in a great position to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. English football’s perennial yo-yo club are currently four points clear at the top of the Championship and have only lost twice since mid-October.

All the usual culprits are in fine form: Tim Krul has quickly established himself as the best goalkeeper in the division, Pukki has already netted eleven goals and Buendía has really excelled this season. There are no signs of a relegation hangover among Farke’s players.