Brentford arrival Christian Norgaard disclosed at the Men in Blazers gathering hosted by Roger Bennett at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday that he is nursing a minor injury but is aiming to make his first appearance for Everton shortly.
The central midfielder appeared on stage alongside fellow Toffees players James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and fellow close-season acquisition Hayden Hackney, before an audience that featured club chief executive Angus Kinnear and technical director Nick Cox. The 32-year-old arrived from Arsenal on August 5 in a deal reportedly worth £7million, yet was absent from all of Everton’s pre-season matches.
When questioned by lifelong Everton supporter Bennett regarding what Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, who previously operated in midfield for the Blues during David Moyes’ initial tenure, had conveyed about representing the club, Norgaard responded that Arteta had shared numerous positive insights about the organisation, the manager he knows well, the club’s culture and its supporters.
Ultimately this made the decision straightforward for me to join, Norgaard explained. It aligned perfectly with where I am professionally and with my character.
The reception from supporters and fellow players has been outstanding. Everything now depends on performances on the field, which I am currently unable to deliver.
That is causing some frustration. I have a slight injury at present but expect to be available soon and I am eager to take the field for the first time.
We are hopefully near the end of the wait, though I cannot specify an exact timeframe. I sense we are very close, so it should not be much longer.
Norgaard, who also disclosed he selected the number 23 jersey because departing long-serving captain Seamus Coleman was an exceptional performer, elaborated on his reasoning for choosing Everton.
Much of it stems from wanting to demonstrate my own abilities. Holding a leadership role within the dressing room over the past year provided valuable experience which I appreciated, though I also yearned for regular game time and the opportunity to play match after match continuously.
That is what I miss most. Having the chance to join a club where 50,000 passionate supporters pack the stadium, encouraging you and appreciating dedication and maximum effort, represents exactly what I want to display to everyone.
Bennett presented footage of Norgaard scoring with a header at the far post from a long throw during Brentford’s opening Premier League encounter versus Arsenal in 2021, and the Danish international contends the Merseyside club can replicate the dead-ball expertise he demonstrated with the Bees.
Norgaard stated that while he is uncertain of the exact formula, it is something he has refined throughout his career. Being at a club like Brentford where set-piece work was undertaken so rigorously enabled him to develop considerably. He expressed hope of transferring this capability to Everton given the considerable stature and physical presence throughout the squad.
He saw no reason why Everton should not become among the division’s most effective teams from set-piece situations.