‘I have played against the best teams and played well… I don’t doubt my ability’: Todd Cantwell is convinced he can follow in the footsteps of former team-mate James Maddison and make it to the top as he gets his career back on track with Rangers
Todd Cantwell, a 24-year-old midfielder, has arrived in Glasgow with a burning desire to prove himself, not just to the fans of Norwich City or Rangers, but to himself. His career has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, with many expecting him to achieve greatness, but so far, he has fallen short of those expectations. Growing up in Norwich, Cantwell was often compared to his teammate James Maddison, who went on to secure a £20million move to Leicester, win the FA Cup, and become a full England international. While Cantwell has had his moments in the sun, he has not yet reached the same level of success as Maddison, and he is determined to change that. He believes that he can still rise to the top and match Maddison’s trajectory, and he is using his friend’s success as motivation to drive him forward.
Cantwell’s journey so far has been marked by both triumph and disaster. He has experienced four promotions, a relegation, and has had to adapt to different playing styles and environments through loan spells with Dutch side Fortuna Sittard and Bournemouth. Despite the setbacks, Cantwell remains confident in his abilities and is eager to prove himself at Rangers, a club with high expectations and scrutiny. He has already met with manager Michael Beale, who has handed him an opportunity to revive his career, and he is determined to take it. Cantwell’s confidence may have been dented by external criticism, but he is determined to isolate himself from the noise and focus on his game. He believes that every footballer has to develop a “me against the world” mentality to succeed, and he is no exception.
One of the most significant challenges Cantwell faced was the criticism he received from Norwich fans when he found the going tough. The abuse was savage, and it would be naive to think that it didn’t affect him. However, Cantwell is determined to rise above it and prove his doubters wrong. He has also been targeted with flak online, particularly when he left Norwich and wrote a cryptic message on Instagram hinting that there was more to his departure than met the eye. Cantwell has chosen not to elaborate on the situation, preferring to focus on his new chapter at Rangers. Instead, he is drawing inspiration from his positive experiences, such as his loan spell in the Netherlands, where he helped Fortuna Sittard secure promotion to the Eredivisie for the first time in 16 years.
Cantwell’s experience in the Netherlands was a defining moment in his career, and it taught him the value of adapting to new environments and playing styles. He has carried that lesson with him to Rangers, where he is eager to make a fresh start and prove himself. The weight of expectation at Rangers is significant, with the club expected to win every game and every domestic competition they enter. However, Cantwell is relishing the challenge and is confident that he can thrive under the pressure. He believes that his experiences at Norwich, where the team was also expected to win every game, have prepared him for the demands of playing for Rangers.
Despite the intensity of the spotlight, Cantwell is determined to enjoy himself and make the most of his time at Rangers. He is aware that the club has a rich history and a passionate fan base, and he is eager to make a positive impact. Cantwell’s story is one of perseverance and determination, and he is determined to prove himself as a winner. He has already shown glimpses of his quality, and he is confident that he can make a significant contribution to the team. As he settles into his new surroundings, Cantwell is focused on the present and the future, rather than dwelling on the past. He is excited to work with Michael Beale and the rest of the coaching staff, and he is eager to learn and improve with every passing day.
In many ways, Cantwell’s journey is a reflection of the challenges faced by many young footballers. The pressure to perform, the constant scrutiny, and the need to adapt to new environments and playing styles can be overwhelming. However, Cantwell’s determination and resilience are an inspiration, and his story is a reminder that success is not always linear. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, Cantwell believes that he can achieve his goals and make a lasting impact at Rangers. As he looks to the future, Cantwell is confident that he can rise to the top and make his mark on the game. He is ready to put in the work, to listen, and to learn, and he is excited to see where his journey takes him. With his talent, his passion, and his determination, the sky is the limit for Todd Cantwell, and he is eager to make the most of his opportunity at Rangers.
