It has been a challenging start to 2025 for Norwich City U21s, but AJ Bridge has led a group of youngsters that impressed through adversity.
Olly Lee’s side are still searching for their first victory of the year, which has proved testing for those hoping to progress through the academy ranks.
Bridge joined the Canaries from Middlesbrough to little fanfare on deadline day of the summer transfer window, alongside winger Brandon Forbes and defender Billy Gee.
Bridge has played the most football between the deadline day incomings, accumulating 1,688 minutes across 22 matches played. The creative midfielder has also registered four assists, making him the joint top creator amongst the U21s squad.
Bridge has played in three main positions across the campaign: a defensive midfield pivot, right central midfielder and left central attacking midfielder. As the season has developed, the coaching staff have opted to utilise his qualities more deeply, aiding the standard of the team’s build-up play.
The 20-year-old is an elegant ball-playing midfielder, receiving the ball from the backline comfortably, before proceeding to play on the half turn, manoeuvring away from opposition bodies.
A key moment for the midfielder was his vibrant cameo against Manchester City U21s. He was one of the few shining lights in a disappointing team display, taking the ball comfortably in congested areas before shifting it frequently to his attacking team-mates.
This has been a recurring topic throughout the season. Bridge has often been the star performer when the team isn’t playing to a high standard, underlining his strong mental qualities to get on the ball and play proactively.
