“Got it all”: Ipswich Town youngster expected to fight his way into Kieran McKenna’s plans

admin | April 5, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Ipswich Town has had a memorable season as they look to make it back-to-back promotions by reaching the Premier League.

Ipswich Town’s remarkable rise

Kieran McKenna’s climb has been extraordinary, as the former Manchester United coach took over a team that appeared to be stuck in League One. Nonetheless, they are only weeks away from being a top-flight team once more.

What makes the progress even more amazing is McKenna’s steadfast faith in the players who propelled them out of the third tier.

Ipswich Town’s academy

Of course, the aim for all teams is immediate success, but the Tractor Boys, like the rest, will want youngsters to progress through the academy and make an impact in the first team.

However, as they improve, it becomes more difficult for the younger players to attain the required level.

Elkan Baggott tipped to make Ipswich Town impact

Nonetheless, there are some promising young players emerging, and Ipswich fan commentator Henry believes Elkan Baggott has the potential to break into McKenna’s plans.

“I would say Elkan Baggott. He’s a left-footed centre-back, 6ft 5, excellent on the ball.

“He’s currently on loan in League One with Bristol Rovers, getting that first-team experience, so I really think he would be able to fit in quite easily and quite comfortably into the Ipswich side over the next 2-3 years.

“His ability on the ball and his height really lends itself to the modern style of football. Defensively he’s strong, he’s got a turn of pace. It seems like he’s got it all, he just needs some more experience at the moment.

“I think his ceiling is the Championship minimum and who knows where he can go from that.”

Elkan Baggott’s career so far

The 21-year-old was born in Thailand before relocating to England as a child, and Ipswich signed Baggott as a teenager due to his football aptitude.

Since then, the defender has had to go out on loan to earn regular minutes, spending time at King’s Lynn, Gillingham, Cheltenham Town, and, most recently, Bristol Rovers, which he joined in February.

Baggott has made a strong start with the Gas, impressing Matt Taylor’s team with his defensive skills and poise. However, his most recent outing was a tough one, as they lost 5-0 to Lincoln City, with an injury keeping him out of the previous two games.

Fortunately for the athlete, he is on the verge of returning, and he hopes to make a few more appearances before the season ends.

Baggott has also represented Indonesia 24 times, including the Asian Cup earlier this year.

So, he certainly has a lot of experience for a 21-year-old, and it will be interesting to watch what happens with Baggott when he returns to Portman Road this summer, as well as what is deemed the best next step in his development.