Hirst out: Ipswich Town’s best XI now that the transfer window has closed
Takeaway 1: Ipswich Town has had a strong start to the Championship season, amassing 12 points out of a possible 15.
Takeaway 2: Despite their great start, the team’s defence has been a source of concern, having allowed six goals in their last two home games.
Takeaway 3: Key players such as Vaclav Hladky, Luke Woolfenden, and Conor Chaplin have contributed significantly to Ipswich’s success this season.
Ipswich Town’s good form from the second half of the 2022/23 League One season has carried over into the early stages of this season’s Championship.
Many outsiders tipped Ipswich as potential dark horses for a surprise charge into the play-offs, or at the at least, a comfortable mid-table finish in their first season back in the second tier since relegation in 2018/19. Even the most hopeful Tractor Boys supporters could not have seen Kieran McKenna’s team earning 12 points out of a potential 15.
During their excellent start, the Northern Irishman made a total of six additions, adding depth to his squad. So, with that in mind, what is Ipswich’s best possible XI at the end of the transfer window?
Hladky Vaclav
Hladky has proven to be a strong deputy after being pressed into action following Christian Walton’s foot injury, with two clean sheets in the side’s first five games this season. This is also supported by WhoScored, who has the Czech in their August Team of the Month with a rating of 7.2.
McKenna may be concerned that, despite winning 3-2 against Cardiff, Town have conceded six goals in their previous two home games
Clarke, Harry
Clarke has started two league games for Ipswich this season after Janoi Donacien suffered a groyne injury prior to their home defeat to Leeds. The 22-year-old local lad, on the other hand, provides ample quality for McKenna and will aim to add to his two goals for the club.
The full-back will also be motivated by his brief stint at this level with Stoke City last season.
Woolfenden, Luke
Woolfenden has enjoyed a decent start to the season after being part of Town’s defence that was broken only 35 times previous season. The academy product has also been a threat on the other end of the pitch, scoring in the 2-0 victory over Stoke. According to WhoScored, the centre-back has an overall rating of 7.03 and has won an average of 2.6 aerial duels per 90 minutes.
Collage Maker-03-Sep-2023-11-11-AM-8305 Cameron Burgess
Burgess’ outstanding efforts thus far have earned him his first call up to the Australian national team.
Burgess’s ever-present partnership with Woolfenden has continued its strong form from last season, with Burgess also averaging 3.2 aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
Collage Maker-11-Aug-2023-03-22-PM-6636 by Leif Davis
Davis has already demonstrated his ability at Championship level with Leeds and Bournemouth, and hasn’t needed to acclimatise to the level much this season, as he remains a major weapon for Town from left-back.
Davis, who had a league-high 14 assists last season in the third tier, has already added one to his tally this season, aiding Nathan Broadhead in the opening day triumph.
While the summer signing did not play in Ipswich’s comeback win against Cardiff, he is preferred to Massimo Luongo.
Taylor’s 15 goal contributions last season are difficult to overlook, and he has already made an impact for his new team, scoring in the EFL Cup triumph over Bristol Rovers.
However, Luongo is a formidable opponent, thus a tussle for the second holding midfield place could ensue.
UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers – Wales Training Wes Burns
Burns has been a powerful outlet on the right wing for Kieran McKenna this season, with one assist and an average of 1.6 shots per game.
The winger will be seeking to improve his numbers.
Conor Chaplin is an Irish actor.25-Aug-2023-10-46-AM-9286 Collage Maker
Chaplin is an important part of McKenna’s team, and after scoring 26 goals last season, the 26-year-old has carried on where he left off.
Town’s offensive style of play has been on display for all to see this season, with an average of 18.6 shots per game, tied for the most with Watford and Southampton. Chaplin is responsible for 5.2 of these per 90, with two of those making it into the net.
He’s off to a good start in his and the Tractor Boys’ return to the division.
Broadhead, Nathan
Wales’ Nathan Broadhead
Broadhead has been Ipswich’s standout performer this season, as evidenced by his three goals and one assist from an average of 3.6 shots.
Mr. Freddie Ladapo
McKenna now has a selection of four men to potentially lead the line in Town’s next fixture against Sheffield Wednesday, and Freddie Ladapo has definitely staked his claim for a first start of the season after scoring twice off the bench against Cardiff.
Whilst Hirst has led the line and also has a goal to his name so far this season, from Ladapo’s point of view, you’d feel he would grow increasingly frustrated if he wasn’t to be in the starting lineup.
There is also further competition his way after Town completed the loan signing of Dane Scarlett
