Ipswich could sign a “monstrous” alternative to Matic in the £8m star

The past few years have been nothing short of a rollercoaster Ipswich Town.

Tractor Boys went from mid-table mediocrity to First league on Premier League in the blink of an eye, thanks to a mix of incredibly underrated players and genius Kieran McKenna.

However, while their fairytale rise up the league has been sensational, the Suffolk outfit now have half a campaign to try to maintain their place in League One, where they belong.

Fortunately, results have started to pick up in recent weeks and there is a chance to add more quality to the squad this month, particularly in midfield.

Ipswich stars in midfield

Now, the star of the show for Ipswich this season has undoubtedly been the incredible Liam Delap, who looks like one of the best strikers in the league, with potentially phenomenal full-back Leif Davis a close second.

However, while they haven’t received the same plaudits from the wider footballing world, the Tractor Boys have more than a few midfielders who have looked right at home in the top flight.

For example, summer signing Omari Hutchinson 11 appearances in the middle park this season, in which he scored twice and registered one assist, while club captain Sam Morsy played 18 games between center and defense midfield for McKenna this year, also managing to score and assist a goal in the process.

Along with the captain of this term, there was either Jens Cajuste, who made 15 appearances so far, or Kalvin Phillips, who, while looking shaky here and there, has the ability to get the job done in defensive midfield and 13 performances to his name.

In short, while most of them are unspectacular players, Ipswich’s current midfield selection is managing to hold its own in the Premier League, but according to reports earlier this month, they could soon receive more help as the club are said to be former Chelsea star Nemanja Matić is interested.

However, while the Serbian international is an extremely experienced player and a big name to boot, the Blues may have already been linked with the perfect alternative at the end of last month.

Ipswich’s potential Matic alternative

So, to cut to the chase, a potential alternative is former Leeds United star Glen Kamara.

According to a journalist’s report Graeme Bailey late last monththe 6ft titan, who has joined Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes in the summer for just £8.4mhe attracted the attention of several clubs, including Ipswich and Southampton.

It is unclear how much the French side would want for the former Rangers star, but as he played only 43% of available league minutes this term, we would not be surprised if they are ready to accept a fee similar to the one they paid in the summer.

But even though he hasn’t played as much football this season as he might have liked, there are several reasons why he could be an ideal alternative to Matic for the Tractor Boys.

The first is that when we look under the hood and compare the basic numbers of midfielders from this season, it is a Finnish “monster,” as dubbed by former manager Steven Gerrardwhich comes out on top.

For example, while he’s close, he’s better in more metrics than he isn’t, metrics including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, expected assists, pass accuracy, penalty passes, shot and goal-creating moves, dribblers defended, interceptions, mistakes leading to shots, successful take-ons and more, all 90.

In addition to the statistical argument, the longevity of the player is also significant, since the 29-year-old Rennes ace could continue to play at the top level in the coming seasons, while at the age of 36, the former Serbian ace international is undoubtedly close to hanging up his boots.

Lastly, the former Manchester United star is currently earning around £97k a weekwhile the 65-capped Fin is far more reasonable salary of £29k per weekwhich, combined with his base numbers and age, makes him a far more attractive alternative for a relegation-threatened team that may need to bring in more players this month.

Ultimately, Matic has had a sensational career at the very top of the game, but as things stand, it would be far more logical for Ipswich to try to woo Kamara this month.