It was a sunny weekday afternoon when Norwich City FC took to the field in the Flemish town of Roeselare to take on Belgian Champions and Champions League side, Club Brugge. While the Blauw-Zwart were just days away from their first battle of the season against Union St. Gilloise for the Belgian Super Cup, the Canaries had only recently returned for their preseason and were still without several players due to international duty, including American Josh Sargent.
Texas native Jonathan Tomkinson, who has been on the books at Norwich City since 2019, returned to the team after having spent last season on loan at Bradford City of League Two. Yanks Abroad caught up with the big central defender after the game.
“I think it was a tough game for us,” the 22 year-old admitted. “[They were] Champions League opposition but it’s a good test for us physically and technically. We have big aspirations to be back in the Premier League soon, so playing against this type of opposition prepares you for that; you get to learn a bit about what to expect this season.”
Although a part of the United States U23 team with seven caps, Tomkinson did not make the final Olympic roster which is in the final preparations for the games in Paris.
“it was tough news to take,” he conceded with a look of frustration on his face. “I was really upset and after the competition I had a couple of hours at home in the evening to kind of dwell on that. Then the next stage was just about trying to ready myself for the new season. “
Tomkinson was however under no illusion that all he or any other player had to do was show up and they would be going to Paris.
“It’s a tough pool [for defenders]. Obviously it benefitted us being younger players, but with those over-age players it’s tougher but it’s always a competition [to get in the team].
“I try not to dwell on it,” he continued, “but it’s something for me to prove people wrong, and prove it to myself how much I deserve and how capable I am as a player.”
Although he will be watching from afar, Tomkinson said, “I still believe in the boys. I think they’re going to have a great tournament. It’s exciting; the US hasn’t been there for a long time but I think they’ll definitely make it to the knock-outs and hopefully they’ll bring a medal home as well.”
The conversation then switched over to life in England compared to life in the USA.
“It’s a lot different. It’s really physical and everyone kind of knows that, and I believe the level is a bit higher as well.”
“In my experience on loans, even in the lower leagues, they really rough you up. The experience here, culturally, the game is a religion and you see that pressure a little bit more. It’s not just showing up, turning up for yourself; you’re turning up for thousands of people as well.”
“I think the MLS is competitive too,” he continued. “You look at that Olympic squad and there are quite a few players from the MLS who are in there. So it shows that Americans can compete on the bigger stages as well, not just domestically.”
Although we agreed that there are a fair few players who jumped off the MLS ship to test themselves in Europe and different levels, in different leagues in different countries, there have been some players who would have benefited from doing this but stayed in the safe waters of their domestic league. Some just seem reluctant or even afraid to cross the ocean for a new adventure.
“You can say that about moving anywhere” Tomkinson stated, continuing “I think maybe the reason people are afraid because emotionally it could be a gamble. I moved away from my entire family when I was only 17, so that was a gamble for me but my dream was always to play in the Premier League and play at the highest level possible.”
“For me it was always to chase the dream.”
The dream continues but at this stage the big defender is unsure about his immediate future. Norwich City has a strong crop of defenders so competition will be fierce regarding claiming a spot on the team, or perhaps he will be sent out on another loan deal.
“That decision is out of my hands. All I can do is take it day by day, trying to do my best. We have a strong group [of defenders], but I believe in myself. I believe in my abilities.”
“I think in an ideal world I stay in Norwich. I’ve really grown to like the club and city, and it’s become my home. If not then I’ll see where the wind takes me.”
Norwich City gets their 2024-25 season underway on August 10th when they travel to Kassam Stadium to take on newly-promoted Oxford United. Whether or not Tomkinson will be there, time will tell.
