Last night Ipswich Town showed how important it was to have a strong squad because three of the stand-out players at Portman Road have often been on the fringes of first-team action. Let’s look at them individually and examine just how adaptable they are.
KAYDEN JACKSON: He has already proved his adaptability by moving out onto the wing, and he is no longer seen as an out-and-out striker but much more of a provider. In this respect, he is doing exceedingly well. We all know about his shortcoming, but he is now playing to his natural strengths, and it makes a world of difference! He is extremely quick and is picking out passes because he can excel beyond defenders and make space for others. He has become unselfish and is working entirely for the team. Jackson, who joined Town from Accrington Stanley in the summer of 2018 for £1.6 million, is relishing his new role in the team. He was making his first league start since the 1-1 draw at Lincoln in January and was outstanding throughout last night.
MASSIMO LUONGO: He may have only played a couple of games, but I am already coming around to thinking he will be a regular in the team if he remains fit. His fitness is an issue and it is something that has plagued him in the past, but we have seen over the last couple of games that he is a cut above most players with his vision, physical attributes, and passing skills. I wasn’t sure if he was too like captain Sam Morsy to make this work, but I have seen enough over the last couple of matches to think that they complement each other. He is a Championship player who is playing at a lower level, and he strengthens not only our defensive grit but also our attacking threat. I’ve been impressed and think with his experience, he is more suited to playing alongside Morsy than say Lee Evans, Dominic Ball and Cameron Humphries at the moment.
KYLE EDWARDS: Ever since he was brought to the club by Paul Cook I have enjoyed watching him, but when manager Kieran McKenna strengthened his squad he had become something of a forgotten man. Stuart Watson writing for the EADT suggested in January that he could be on his way but I am pleased to say that our manager had other ideas and holds him in high regard. I think everyone was delighted to see him take that free-kick last night, and score with it. If Chaplin, or indeed Broadhead had still been on the pitch, this would not have occurred. His negotiations only took place with Cameron Humphries, and the young lad kindly conceded. Although it must be frustrating for Edwards to be on the fringes of the team, he is biding his time, and reminding our manager of just how good he is! Competition for a start is fierce at the moment but Edwards is a technically gifted player who gives us something different.
Whether we make those automatic spots or not, one thing we do have is a very strong squad, and now that most of the players are fit again and momentum is building, it might be the perfect to go into overdrive. We may just have come into form at the business end of the season, when surely it matters most. Let us all hope so anyway.
