Ipswich Town has made a strong start in their return to the Premier League, surprising many, including BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty, who predicted they would finish at the bottom and drop back to the Championship. McNulty even noted that it would be “some feat” for them to stay up this season.
So far, the Tractor Boys are defying expectations, currently sitting in 15th place with four points from their first six matches, including four consecutive draws. Their latest result was a commendable 2-2 draw against Champions League team Aston Villa, highlighted by two goals from Liam Delap.
Kieran McKenna’s squad has featured several standout players in their battle against relegation, with Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips being one of the most crucial. Securing a player of Phillips’ caliber in their first season back in the top flight was a significant achievement for Ipswich, despite his struggles at the Etihad Stadium.
After a period of adjusting to the team, Phillips has now started in all three of his Premier League appearances, including a solid performance in a 0-0 draw against Brighton. His best display came against Villa, where he excelled for 69 minutes, demonstrating the form reminiscent of his days at Leeds United. Phillips completed 82% of his passes and won seven out of eight ground duels, showing his ability both in possession and defensively.
Looking to elevate Phillips’ performance even further, McKenna has a promising option in Ben Johnson. The upcoming match against West Ham, Johnson’s boyhood club, presents a perfect opportunity for him to shine. Johnson, who joined Ipswich after leaving West Ham on a free transfer, is regarded as a “terrific” player capable of excelling in multiple positions.
Though he has only started one Premier League game, Johnson’s versatility and technical skills could significantly benefit Ipswich. As a right-back who has played various roles at West Ham, he can effectively support Phillips in midfield, potentially easing the latter’s defensive responsibilities.
This partnership could allow Phillips to push forward and contribute more offensively, showcasing his talents. Unleashing Johnson could be a strategic move by McKenna, providing greater balance and enhancing the technical quality of Ipswich’s squad while giving Phillips more freedom to impact the game. Only time will tell if this decision is made, but bringing Johnson into the starting lineup could be a game-changer for the Tractor Boys.