Ipswich Town full-back Leif Davis has praised the early impact the club’s first set-plays coach, Mark Hudson, has had and has discussed his and his team-mates’ growth as Premier League players.
The 24-year-old was one of two players in the startling line-up against Aston Villa and seven in the 20-matchday squad who have been part of back-to-back promotions under manager Kieran McKenna.
Davis put in another assured display in Sunday’s 2-2 draw, this time working down the left-hand side with Jack Clarke, who came in for Sammie Szmodics to make his first league start, to suggest he adapting well to the higher level.
Usually known for his attacking abilities bombing forward – having notched up a record-breaking 18 assists for a Championship defender last term – Davis has already had to deal with Mohamed Salah, Savinho, Yankuba Minteh, Adama Traoré and Tyler Dibling ahead of coming up against the pace of Jamaican international Leon Bailey yesterday.
But the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne-born player, who has managed one assist across the opening six matches, says he is enjoying every minute of it.
“It’s what I’m here for. I love the challenge. I’m always going to work hard,” he said.
“Like you say, it’s a different task every week. Salah, Traore, players like that. And then today, obviously two good wingers; Leon Bailey and [Jaden] Philogene came on. They’re two good players that attack well and yes, I’m just revelling in it.”
Asked if he felt he is improving each game with each experience of the level, he replied: “Definitely, yes. I think I’ve found my feet now.
“I’m settling in really well and I think we all are. I’ve said it just before, I think we’re all bedding in really well.
“Hopefully we start to get the points on the board and get the wins on the board as well.”
Liam Delap claimed the headlines in the Sky Sports-broadcast Super Sunday fixture with Champions League outfit Aston Villa, with his two goals, at either ends of the game, earning another precious point in a 2-2 draw.
It took the £15 million summer signing from Manchester City’s total to three goals in his first six Premier League games, having also netted against Fulham while he also went close to opening his away account when striking the post after a fine late run in the goalless draw at Brighton & Hove Albion.
And his early-season showings has certainly impressed Davis. “Yes, he’s a handful,” he said.
“You see there, for the second goal, that’s his quality. He uses his body and runs hard. He’s a strong lad, good with the ball at his feet.
“In the second goal he sat him down really, didn’t he? And then with the little scoop and just how composed he is in front of the goal.
