Filling the number 10 role is one of the most difficult tasks that will face Town’s recruitment staff this summer, with specialists within said position becoming increasingly sought after. With high influence comes a high price-tag, and it would seem that Town will be faced with shelling out a hefty transfer fee and wage packet to one of the most vital positions in Paul Cook’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system.
In this edition of ‘Target Practice’, we’re going to take a look at three players that could fill the key area between the midfield and the forward line. Jamie Paterson and Martyn Waghorn are names that have previously been mentioned within this blog series, with both men more than capable of playing this vital role.
However, for the sake of avoiding repetition, I’m going to present three new suggestions that could become the beating heart of Town’s promotion-chasing side.
Matt Crooks
Let’s start with the obvious and take a quick look at a name that has already been linked to Ipswich by the guys at the EADT.
Crooks, 27, is a physical and versatile player that can occupy offensive positions throughout the spine of a team. Operating predominantly as a central midfielder for Rotherham last season, the former Rangers and Northampton talisman can also play as a second striker, attacking midfielder or as a centre-forward. His versatility is a huge bonus, and he’s thrived in each position for a Rotherham team that ultimately ended up yo-yo-ing once more.
Making 42 appearances last campaign for a struggling Rotherham side across all competitions, Crooks scored 7 times and provided 3 assists, achieving an average rating of 6.65 in that time (stats according to WhoScored). His physicality and hold-up play makes him just the right kind of player to occupy the second striker role, with the ‘good feet for a big lad’ cliché firmly applying to the 27-year-old.
It’s been reported that Town have already made a move for Crooks, but whilst Championship interest could price them out of a swoop for one of Rotherham’s top performers, there’s no denying that the excitement and buzz could prove enticing to a player who has been waiting to take the next step in his career.
Another signing that would show Town’s intent, I have no doubt that Crooks would be an immediate success at Portman Road.
Izzy Brown
On the face of it, Izzy Brown is not an exciting addition. Recently released from Chelsea after 600 loan spells (that may be an exaggeration), Brown has failed to live up the promise that he showed as a youngster… so far.
Sometimes circumstance is key, and the circumstances of Brown’s previous loan spell was far from ideal. Playing in a Sheffield Wednesday side that faced more off-field disruption than an umbrella in a hurricane, Brown only managed 21 appearances, the vast majority of which came from the bench.
Failing to score and only registering one assist, Brown certainly faced one of his more disappointing seasons away from Chelsea, but I firmly believe that a talented player lays under the surface. Good with his feet and an excellent ability to drift past opposition players, Brown is in need of a career reset… step in Ipswich Town.
Brown clearly has a point to prove after being released at Stamford Bridge and League One would seem his likely destination. In contrast to someone like Teddy Bishop, Brown also possesses the physical qualities that are needed when shaping a capable footballer.
With an excellent pedigree and a desire to rewrite the disappointing past few years of his career, Brown could be the exact kind of player that Town are looking for: young, hungry, and driven to succeed.
Jamie McGrath
Time to throw you another Scottish League curveball and serve you some information on a hidden gem in the Tartan nation.
Jamie McGrath is a silky 24-year-old with a killer instinct in front of goal. Last season, turning out for St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, McGrath scored 16 goals and provided a single assist across 42 appearances, gaining an average rating of 7.03.
Occupying a number of positions both centrally and in wide areas, McGrath found the majority of his success in a central attacking role. His contributions were key to a St Mirren side that finished 7th in the division, with the former Dundalk star making his international debut in a recent match for the Republic of Ireland.
From humble beginnings and baring an ever-increasing stock, McGrath appears ready-made for a jump to England, with League One providing a platform for his recent form to further shine. Town have already proven that they are willing to pay the necessary cash to acquire top talents and McGrath would appear another player that would be worth every penny. As mentioned before, the Scottish Leagues are difficult to judge in terms of standard and talent, but McGrath has already proven that he is more than capable of performing against the better sides in the division.
A gamble? Maybe, but a savvy attitude within the transfer market will only serve to benefit the future of the club, whilst also ensuring present-day successes.
And those are my picks! Feel free to let me know your thoughts and get in touch if you have any recommendations for players that you would like to see become part of Town’s new look side for next season! Thank you for taking the time to read this piece; I’ll see you again soon!
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