Adrian Clarke says Anfield opener offers opportunity for Canaries' wide men to shine

Adrian Clarke is looking at key tactical talking points ahead of Matchweek 1.

Norwich City’s brilliance down the flanks was key in their 2018/19 promotion-winning campaign.

Full-back Jamal Lewis struck up a wonderful understanding with Onel Hernandez on the left side.

On the opposite flank, Max Aarons' partnership with the gifted Emiliano Buendia was one of the most exciting seen at Carrow Road in years.

The big question is whether Daniel Farke's Canaries can take the initiative against their likely opposite numbers Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Divock Origi on their Premier League bow at Liverpool.

Buendia is definitely one to watch in the Premier League this season.

The Argentinian scored eight goals for the title-winning Canaries in 2018/19 and weighed in with 12 assists, contributing to a goal every 143 minutes.

Hard working

The 22-year-old possesses technical ability, an insatiable workrate and a great delivery; all important attributes for this daunting Anfield opener.

Always prepared to press or track back, the winger averaged 3.18 tackles and 7.3 ball recoveries per 90 minutes in 2018/19.

Buendia will certainly need to be on his guard defensively to nullify the threat of Robertson.

Hernandez and Buendia contribution

Championship 2018/19 Hernandez Buendia Matches played 40 38 Chances created/90 1.92 2.86 Dribbles attempted/90 4.71 3.27 Dribbles completed/90 1.98 1.73 Shots per 90 2.52 2.24

Farke’s side are composed on the ball, so when possession is turned over they will confidently look to feed the ball wide with speed and precision.

It is in these areas that Norwich really hurt Championship opposition last season.

Deadly out wide

Supported by full-backs Aarons and Lewis, who provided 10 assists between them last term, the quartet’s collective movement and end product can be breathtaking.

In one-on-one situations Hernandez and Buendia are positive, and will not be afraid to take on Liverpool’s backline.

Registering a goal involvement every 185 minutes, the left-sided Hernandez, who scored eight goals and provided nine assists last term, is a mercurial talent.

Fast starters

To cause a huge opening-night upset at Anfield, Norwich will need their wide men to hit the ground running.

If they perform with the same quality and confidence that served them so well in the second tier, the Canaries have the potential to handle the step up.

Keep a close eye on the individual battles that take place out wide under the lights at Anfield on Friday.

They may be more evenly contested than many people expect.

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