It’s been a challenging start to life in the Premier League for Ipswich Town this season. Kieran McKenna’s side had to host Liverpool of all teams in their opening fixture of the campaign, and in the eight matches since, things haven’t gotten much easier, with games against the likes of Manchester City
However, despite this tough start, there are reasons to be optimistic about the Tractor Boys this year, as even though they are without a win, they have picked up four points and have done so playing some impressive football.
Moreover, a number of the club’s attacking stars have looked right at home in the top-flight, including Liam Delap, although he is being outperformed by a former Ipswich player sold six years ago.
Liam Delap’s start to the season
It came as something of a surprise when Ipswich decided to spend up to £20m on Delap this summer, as while he had looked good for Hull City last season, scoring eight goals in 32 games, he was entirely unproven at the top level.
For example, during his years with Manchester City, the Winchester-born poacher had just two Premier League cameos to his name, which, combined with his age, meant there was an element of risk to his transfer.
However, we’re now nine games into the season, and it would be fair to say that the 6 foot 1 marksman has put any doubts people might have had over his ability firmly to rest.
In his ten appearances across all competitions, the Blues’ number 19 has scored five goals, including a brace against top-four chasing Villa, and has generally been a threat whenever he’s been on the pitch.
If Delap can keep up this vein of form for the whole season, then he might just be able to keep Ipswich up, and at that point, he’d have a real shout for being one of the best signings of the season.
Yet, the Englishman is actually being outperformed by a former player who was sold back in 2018.
David McGoldrick’s recent form
Yes, the former Ipswich star in question is David McGoldrick, who joined the club on a short-term loan deal from Nottingham Forest in January 2013, which then became a permanent deal that summer.
The Nottingham-born star would play for the Blades for the following four years, making 136 appearances, contributing 30 goals, 12 assists, and more. One fan commentator called him a “absolute genius.”
Before departing under manager Paul Hurst, the Irish international would play at Portman Road for five and a half seasons. He would depart the Suffolk team with a respectable total of 45 goals and 25 assists in 159 games, or an average of one goal involvement per 2.07 games. After a successful trial at the club, he was able to secure a move to Sheffield United in 2018.
One fan commentator called the Nottingham-born star a “absolute genius.” He would spend the next four years with the Blades, making 136 appearances, contributing 30 goals, 12 assists, and more.
Read more news:https://sportupdates.co.uk/
Leave a Reply