Norwich City manager Philippe Clement has compared Lucien Mahovo to former PSG and Borussia Dortmund player Thomas Meunier, who is now a Sunderland star, after the 21-year-old has been deployed in a more attacking manner than expected after returning from injury.

Mahovo’s rise into the Norwich fold since joining from Notts County in 2024 has been hampered by a series of setbacks, most recently an ankle ailment during pre-season that kept him out for the first few months of the season.

Since returning to action, however, the 21-year-old has been substituted as a right-sided attacker in league play, much to the astonishment of Canaries fans, despite breaking through as an attacking left-back.

Clement is refining his skills for the future, as Ben Chrisene and Darlin Yongwa compete for the starting left-back berth, and the Norwich manager believes he will thrive in this new role, much as a youthful Meunier did while coaching at Club Brugge.

Philippe Clement mentions Thomas Meunier while describing Lucien Mahovo’s position adjustment following injury comeback.

It’s easy to assume that Philippe Clement values Mahovo; otherwise, he wouldn’t be seeking for methods to integrate him while the left-back position is already overcrowded.

Speaking to the media after their recent 5-0 defeat at Bristol City, he revealed that, back in Bruges, a teenage Thomas Meunier was breaking through as an attacker before finding his feet farther back.

The 35-year-old has 83 Belgian caps and spent several years at the top of the European game with Borussia Dortmund and PSG before joining Sunderland this summer and making his Premier League debut.

“I spoke with Lucien about the plan in training sessions to put him higher, because I’ve seen good things with him in four-against-four, five-against-five, six-against-six in the small-sided games about dribbling, shooting, making decisive actions,

and like this he has more chance to be in the selection and to come on the pitch, and that’s his ambition,” Clement stated.Will this be his status for the rest of his life? I’m not sure, to be honest. Occasionally, unexpected events can alter one’s career trajectory.

When I was assistant coach in Bruges, we had Thomas Meunier as a striker. He was assigned as a winger by the manager and performed admirably defensively. He then became a fullback and played for top international teams.He would never have been a Paris (Saint-Germain) player as a striker or right winger for many years, but as a right fullback, certainly.”

Philippe Clement predicts a “amazing career” for Lucien Mahovo.

Meunier has had a successful career, and if Clement believes Mahovo will have a same influence as the 35-year-old after a little positional change, that is high praise.

Norwich is also lacking in wingers. If the 21-year-old is not playing left-back, he will compete with Andre Brooks for the right-wing position, which the Canaries signed from Sheffield United for £8 million in the summer.

The Belgian coach is clearly a fan, and his defensive abilities as a winger might help him develop into a well-rounded player, putting him ahead of the majority of the coaches he’d play for.

“He has so much potential, the boy, and I believe so hard in his potential,” Clement said. “He also performs defensive duties while offensively. “I believe he has the potential to excel in both positions.”I have a strong belief in Lucien’s abilities, not only as a full back, but also in those spots where he can affect opponents with his playing style, so there are also areas for development.”

Norwich are hitting their stride this season, with four consecutive wins propelling them into the top half during the November international break. Keeping everyone fit and healthy will be critical if the Canaries are to overcome another poor start and compete for the play-offs.

Lucien Mahovo needs to stay healthy to reach his potential.

Mahovo’s head coach is supportive and believes in him. He now needs to be available in order to retain that, which he has battled to accomplish over the past few years.

In the 2024/25 season, under Johannes Hoff Thorup, the then-teenage full-back started six consecutive league games between January and February and appeared to be breaking through before an injury ended his season.

Last season, he appeared to be returning to contention under Clement, but muscular issues caused him to miss the second half of the season. Coming off the bench in his last three games suggests he has the potential to play a more important role in Norwich’s exciting squad, both defensively and forward.