Ipswich Town U21s season is in full swing, so Ross Halls takes a look at the standout performers and the squad as a whole...
John McGreal's side started the season off like a rocket with a 6-1 win over Birmingham City, followed by a 3-3 draw with Burnley and wins over Sheffield United and Crewe.
In the next game they suffered their first defeat against Hull City, before going on a four game unbeaten run - but it's been a mixed bag ever since, with the side losing two of their last three games.
They are also currently bottom of their group in the Premier League Cup, drawing and losing two of their opening three fixtures in the competition.
I've watched a lot of the U21s this season, so let's take a look at the squad...
HENRY GRAY
The 19-year-old goalkeeper has impressed during his first year in English football, with his shot stopping and calmness on the ball. He joined Town from New Zealand Central League side Waterside Karori last summer.
Gray signed a new contract with the Blues in September and has regularly trained with Kieran McKenna's first team. The Kiwi enjoyed a successful loan spell at National League South side Chelmsford City last season.
JACOB MAZIONIS
The 18-year-old defender has been a big standout for the young Blues, a modern day centre back with great composure on the ball who wins most of his aerial duels.
Mazionis, who is a one-time West Ham and Arsenal schoolboy, signed for the Blues last summer after spending some time with the London-based Kinetic Foundation. He has represented Lithuania at U16 and U17s levels.
DANIEL BABB
The 18-year-old right-back has been in and out of the side since he joined Town from League of Ireland side UCD in February this year. He made 10 senior appearances in the top flight of Irish football in 2023
Babb, who can also operate as a centre half, struggled in his early games for Town last season, but has done well to recover from that, showing his pace down the flank.
AYYUBA JAMBANG
The 19-year-old right-back has impressed during his first year at the club, showing his threat down the right but has had some injury set-backs. He joined Town from Reading in September last year.
Jambang, who was previously in the Norwich City youth set-up, has got amongst the goals for the team and overall has been a solid player.
DANIEL O'CONNOR
The Irishman is a left footed centre-back, who missed the start of this season due to injury but recently returned to action to become a mainstay in the defence.
O'Connor is another big presence at the back, and has built up a good relationship with Mazionis. He joined Town from Galway United on the January transfer deadline day in 2023.
JESSE AYOOLA
The 18-year-old centre-back is another option in this U21s side, who has done well when called up with his strength and ability on the ball.
Ayoola has been at the club since the age of 14 and got some senior football under his belt last season, having spent time on loan at Ipswich Wanderers.
JOSH LEWIS
The 17-year-old left-back is another new player for this U21s team, having joined Town from Brighton this summer. He was also previously on the books at Chelsea.
Lewis has impressed down the left, showing great maturity and creating chances for his team-mates in what is his debut campaign at this level.
EMMANUEL OKUNOWO
The soon to be 19-year-old midfielder is a defensive player who is composed on the ball and has great physical attributes to dictate the action in the middle of the park.
Okunowo has been at the club since the age of eight, moved up the age groups rapidly and spent time on loan at Needham Market last season.
MATTY ROBERTS
The 19-year-old attacker has been a standout player for this side since joining Town from Arsenal last season, ending his 13-year association with the Gunners.
Roberts plays in the number 10 role and brings flair to this side, scoring some quality goals from distance as well as taking set-pieces. He has represented Wales at U17s and U18s level.
STEVEN TURNER
The 18-year-old midfielder stepped up to the U21s last season, where he has been a consistent performer, breaking up play and having an eye for a pass.
Turner, who has been at the club since the age of seven, signed his first professional contract in April this year.
ABUBE ONUCHUKWU
The 18-year-old midfielder is a technical box-to-box player, who played well in his early outings but is currently out of action due to a hip injury.
Onuchukwu signed for the Blues this summer after he wasn't offered fresh terms by Aston Villa at the end of the season. He can also operate on his natural left side as a centre back or full back.
TUDOR MENDEL-IDOWU
The 19-year-old winger has made a big impact since signing for Town from Anderlecht in the summer. He only represented their junior side, RSCA Futures.
Mendel-Idowu, who came through the ranks at Chelsea, is a pacey player who has trickery and is intelligent with his movement. He was a child prodigy academically, coming second in Child Genius in 2014.
The 21-year-old forward has been a key player for this team over the last two seasons, scoring key goals in big games and has overall been a real class act.
Nwabueze, who joined the club in 2020 after leaving Crystal Palace, will hopefully be over his injury set-backs after going under the knife at the end of last season.
TOMMY TAYLOR
The 18-year-old forward has been a real handful up top this season, scoring scoring seven goals for the U21s so far. He has been at the club since the age of 10.
Taylor is playing the no.9 role tremendously, showing his strength and ability on the ball. He was the U18s captain last season, but is now a mainstay in this team.
RIO MORGAN
The 18-year-old forward is another player, who has been unfortunate with injuries but when fit he is a player that has the ball glued to his feet and has an eye for goal.
Morgan, who is a Northern Irleand U19 international, has impressed once again, having fully recovered from a shoulder surgery at the end of last season.
ASH BOATSWAIN
The 19-year-old forward is your classic poacher, who finds space in the box to score goals and brings his team-mates into play. He has been at the club since the age of 11.
Boatswain has recently become a full international for Montserrat, having won his first caps during the September international break. He is managed there by former Town midfielder Lee Bowyer.
OLLY DAVIS
The 18-year-old is another forward option, who can link up play and get in behind a defence, while he has a eye for goal and can play on the flanks.
Davis has been at Town since the age of 7, and stepped up to the U21s side last season, having scored regularly for the U18s.
GERRARD BUABO
The 19-year-old forward made a handful of senior appearances for the Blues last season when McKenna's side were down to barebones for attackers. He did well during those cameos, showing his physicality up top.
Buabo is yet to make an appearance this season, having had some injury set-backs at the start of the campaign. He has been at the club since 2021.
YOUNG BLUES ON LOAN
A few players who have featured for the U21s are currently getting valuable experience on loan, including twin brothers Harry and Finley Barbrook, who are at Lowestoft Town and Sutton United respectively. Defender Edwin Agbaje is also at the U's.
Goalkeeper Woody Williamson and forward Osman Foyo are impressing at Chelmsford City, midfielder Ryan Carr is at Gateshead and forward Leon Ayinde is playing at Rochdale.
Another keeper, Charlie Binns, is at Bishop's Stortford and attacker Nico Valentine plays for Needham Market, but is currently on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
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