Ipswich Town defender Jacob Greaves is a player with a ‘really bright future’, according to his boss, Kieran McKenna.
The 24-year-old joined the Blues from Hull City in the summer for a fee reported to be around £15 million and has taken the Premier League by storm in what has been his first steps in the top flight.
Starting all five of Town’s matches this term, Greaves has won 33 of his duels (67 per cent) and made six interceptions against teams such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, who combined have lost just one match this season.
Jacob Greaves has started all five of Ipswich Town’s matches. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Jacob Greaves has started all five of Ipswich Town’s matches. Picture: Barry Goodwin
“He’s adapted very well, there’s no doubt about it. It was a benefit to have him here early in pre-season and I think you can see that in his performances,” said McKenna on his centre-back, who made the step up to the Premier League after three full seasons of Sky Bet Championship football.
“He improved bit by bit in those (pre-season games) and developed his understanding. I think he can be pleased with his performances in the early games.
“I think there’s still a lot to come. There’s still moments and instances where the quality of the opposition or certain movements have caught him out, like they can with any defender or like they can with any young player, so I think he’s still learning all the time.
Jacob Greaves made his Premier League debut against Liverpool. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Jacob Greaves made his Premier League debut against Liverpool. Picture: Barry Goodwin
“There’s so much scope for him to keep learning and if he can stay consistent with his mindset and keep picking up consistent minutes in the Premier League, he’s, of course, a player with a really bright future.
“He’s just turned 24 years old. The athleticism he’s showing, ball-playing qualities and being left-footed is always a bit rare, so he’s on a good pathway, but he needs lots of support and encouraging to stay on that pathway as well.”
Greaves was speaking to the press after McKenna and the Town boss was questioned about what the media should ask the defender in his interview.
“I speak to him a lot about football, maybe something about golf. He’s a keen golfer,” said McKenna.
Jacob Greaves joined Ipswich Town from Hull City. Picture: ITFC
Jacob Greaves joined Ipswich Town from Hull City. Picture: ITFC
“We’ve got a little golf school at the moment, quite a few of the new boys have joined in with a few of the boys who are here.
“I don’t get a chance to play very much at the moment and he’s still managing to find a way to get down to the golf courses on occasions.
“So maybe I could ask him for a little bit of help with my swing.”
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