Best striker in the league? Red-hot USMNT star Josh Sargent earns high praise at Championship play-off hopefuls Norwich

The United States international was a big miss for the Canaries early on in the campaign, as he sat out 20 games through injury. He has returned with a bang in 2024, registering seven goals through his last eight appearances to lead a play-off bid and spark talk of transfer interest from the Premier League.

Carrow Road colleague Stacey has told the Pink Un of Sargent’s many qualities: “I don't want to say he is the best striker in the league, but I cannot think of another one. He is deceptively quick so he gives us another dimension in terms of getting behind but in terms of his hold up play as well. It's hard to defend against him because he can go in behind or come to feet. He's underrated in the air so I know that if I can beat the first man with a cross then there is a chance for him or Ashley [Barnes] to get on the end of it. It's good to have those options.”

Sargent has helped Norwich to go unbeaten through their last 10 home games, raising their points per game ratio from one to 2.31, and Stacey added on his value to the collective cause: “It's not a secret how our form went without him in the team. He is a great player. It's not just his goals but his hold-up play as well and how much we rely on him in our build-up to set the ball. I can't speak highly enough of him. A number nine is key to any team, especially one that is going to get you goals, involved in the build-up and is there to get the ball to. If any side lost their number nine for the majority of the season, then it's going to make a difference. To have him back now is a real positive.”

Norwich are up to seventh in the Championship table, one point adrift of the play-off places with 11 games left to take in. Sargent is up to 11 goals, two short of his personal best from last season, and will be hoping that club exploits allow him to figure in his country’s plans for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League finals and Copa America tournament.