The problem with this is that you need players like that in the team, players who can produce magic but they’re raw and need games to become consistent. But we have most of our starting Xl like that.
I’ve just about stopped laughing after reading this bit… They continue: “For both, a combined deal worth in the region of £8m seems more realistic, as Sunderland will be well aware of Ipswich’s increased financial power following automatic promotion to the top flight.”
Ekwah will be fine in the PL as long as the club he goes to plays to his strengths and has a coach that can motivate him to improve. Has all the tools you need to be a top level PL midfielder; tall, rangy, dribbler, can engage in the press, adequate passing and chips in with goals. What he most certainly is not is a holding midfielder, that's why he looks shoddy this season. He also fits the mould of Stills preferred midfielders. Out of the two linked to Ipswich it's actually Ballard who I worry about moving into the PL. Anyone with pace troubles him and he's so clumsy on the ball and his footwork off the ball is not good.
You would have said a lot of Ipswich’s squad were miles away from being Championship players before McKenna got hold of them and got promoted with them. I personally think there’s bucket loads of potential in Ekwah regardless of where he is at the minute and it’s that that any club higher up the ladder will be signing if they were in for him.
Stuttgart wanted him in January and they’re going to be playing CL football next season. He’s been played out of position all season to accommodate Neil, I’ve said for a while I think he’ll move into the 8 if Neil goes and he’ll thrive with a proper 6 in the team. Just like Neil would.
Agree on his potential. He has lots going from him. I think his problem is not where he has played but his mentality on the pitch. I see a bit too much of an unwillingness to go in where it might hurt. He doesnt win enough in the air, or at times compete well enough to make it tough on the opposition. He would drive me mad with his talent and his mentality. This is where a coach needs to earn his money. Mowbray got him firing better end of last season. A good man manager and motivator will unlock a very good player.
It's to do with holding players within the squad to the same standards. If we want rid of Ekwah because he shows no 'heart' then I want Roberts out of the squad for the same thing.
Which is exactly why Ekwah will get interest. A version of Ekwah that is on form 100% of the time is not a player Ipswich could get, so they will look at what he could be and hope McKenna can unleash it. I would bet he could.
When he can be arsed. Luton at home in the play offs he was next level, superb. Shame we haven’t seen it since.
I just think he plays in that lackadaisical manner that can wind fans up when things aren’t going our way. He’s shouldn’t be playing anywhere near the CDM role he has had to because of injuries. Push him further up, maybe even rotate between him and Dan Neil once we get a proper CDM in. I think we’d see a completely different player.
I see people haven't learned from last season. Ekwah, Roberts and Mayenda all labelled ****e and need selling. Personally, I'd take a good offer for Ekwah, but it'd have to be a good one. Where we can benefit if Ipswich sell him on. Ballard is worth £15 million for me, easy. In isolation, it'd be good business to let him go and bring in Hughes, Cashin or Edwards from league 1, then a Cooper type from Milwall. We'd still have money for a striker left.
We need our new manager to be able to do it. I wouldnt sell this summer, despite thinking he needs to up his game. So long as the nee gaffer thinks he can get under his skin a bit.
