Ipswich Town’s Defense Under Scrutiny: Can Ben Johnson Step Up?

Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League has been a rollercoaster ride so far. While they’ve enjoyed thrilling victories against top sides like Tottenham and Wolves, they’ve also suffered some heavy defeats, most recently a 4-0 drubbing by Newcastle United.

Manager Kieran McKenna has seen mixed results from his summer signings. While attackers like Liam Delap have hit the ground running, the defensive additions have struggled to shore up a backline that has already conceded 32 goals this season.

One player who arrived with high expectations was Ben Johnson. The former West Ham defender joined on a free transfer, with McKenna praising him as an “excellent addition” with Premier League experience. However, Johnson has failed to nail down a regular starting spot, making just 5 starts so far.

With right-back Harry Clarke struggling for form, there may be an opportunity for Johnson to stake his claim. The 24-year-old has shown glimpses of quality, providing an assist and winning more duels on average than Clarke. But McKenna will be demanding more consistency and impact from a player once labeled as “fabulous” by David Moyes.

Johnson’s £30,000 per week wages mean Ipswich need him to start delivering soon. If he can’t establish himself as a key player, the club may come to regret what initially seemed like a shrewd signing. With Ipswich fighting to avoid relegation, they need all hands on deck – especially in defense. The coming weeks could be crucial for Johnson to prove his worth and help steady the ship at Portman Road.