At first glance, it may appear that Jacob Butterfield is the type of player Norwich City don't actually need. He has revealed, after signing, that he prefers to play in an attacking midfield role just behind the main striker.
This is a position that is all about being creative to score and assist with goals, but without the defensive responsibility needed in other midfield positions. Butterfield certainly is the sort of player that every great team needs.
But Norwich fans may wonder if the position is necessary given the presence of Wes Hoolahan and Jonny Howson. Both Hoolahan and Howson like to pick up similar positions and there is a danger of having too many players that want to do similar things.
Nevertheless, Howson's arrival in January 2012 was supposed to limit Wes Hoolahan's involvement. However, it didn't quite work out that way, because both players shared the pitch for plenty of match time last season.
It was also fascinating to hear Norwich City manager Chris Hughton refer to Butterfield's ability to play in a number of different positions. This is perhaps an indication that he realizes the complication of accommodating his trio of midfield creators.
The Canaries used Hoolahan in a number of different roles to allow Howson to have the freedom to create from central midfield. Modern day football is all about having multiple options and a squad full of players.
It is always far better for a football club to be proactive in that approach with a consideration towards the future than one that only reacts when disaster strikes. I often take the view that modern day football is always evolving, and the whole squad constantly needs updating.
As a general rule, it is far better to have too many options than too few. It wasn't so long ago that Norwich City didn't have even one creative, attacking midfield player. Then, the magical footwork of Wes Hoolahan arrived.
But football fans are always fickle and never satisfied, so we started to wonder if we needed another option; someone that can play the Hoolahan role, especially in the diamond formation that was designed to get the best out of the Irishman.
Former Norwich City manager Paul Lambert agreed and signed Jonny Howson from Leeds United. I think Norwich fans should rejoice in having three players with such useful attacking intent and ability to score goals from midfield.
The bigger picture says that Hoolahan is now 30, and Jacob Butterfield has recently suffered a terribly serious injury. Butterfield is a necessary signing in terms of keeping the squad fresh, and planning towards the future.
James Kent has been a Norwich City fan for a number of years; he is currently looking forward to the new Premier League season, follow him on Twitter and via Facebook.
