As the fortunes of Norwich City continue to improve, DAVID FREEZER looks at a key component of Daniel Farke’s developing team, centre-back Timm Klose
Conceding a late consolation goal at Brentford may have seen Norwich City miss out on a rare defensive feat – but it has not affected Timm Klose’s perfect record.
The Canaries are still yet to concede a goal with the popular Switzerland international centre-back on the pitch, as he had been substituted by the time Josh Clarke made the score 3-1 at Griffin Park.
As that goal was fired underneath Angus Gunn it denied Daniel Farke’s team becoming the first Norwich team to keep four clean sheets in consecutive games for over 23 years.
From a reporter’s point of view that was particularly frustrating as the goalkeeper in that run of defensive strength at the start of 1994-95 season was Bryan Gunn – snatching away a superb angle on Angus’s flourishing career!
However, it should perhaps come as no surprise that the lapse came once Klose had been withdrawn, as protection for three upcoming league games.
More: Take a look at the best images from Norwich City’s win at Brentford in the Carabao Cup third round
Since the 29-year-old has returned to full fitness he has been excellent, finally looking like the top Championship defender that Canaries fans had expected following relegation from the Premier League in 2016.
The defender with a grin the width of Lake Geneva has found his feet among the rough and tumble of the English second tier when City needed him most.
He was cruelly crocked during pre-season by a dreadfully clumsy tackle from Cambridge United striker Uche Ikpeazu, the hulking forward throwing his sizeable frame into mid-air and clattering Klose right in front of the City dug-out.
Damage to his hamstring kept the former Wolfsburg ace out of the first seven matches of the season – only able to watch on in horror as Farke’s squad became the first City team to concede four goals in successive games in the second tier for over 18 years.
His commanding displays in the games that followed have reminded Canaries fans of what they were missing.
Klose has since admitted that he found last season difficult, after seeing a potential move back to the Premier League with West Brom fall apart.
If he can maintain his current standards – dove-tailing imposingly with Christoph Zimmermann – and continue to show his leadership traits, then top-flight clubs could well start sniffing around again in January.
• Follow David Freezer on Facebook @DavidFreezer1 or on Twitter @davefreezer
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