Jack Taylor

Taylor covers ground in front of the back four first, breaking up attacks and giving the ball so his side keeps its shape. Once that defensive job is done, he starts timing runs from deep into the penalty area, arriving late enough that markers have switched their attention elsewhere. That habit has followed him through every club he has played for, producing a scoring record unusual for someone who spends a match defending.

Managers often ask a defensive midfielder to stay disciplined and resist the runs that make Taylor effective, because leaving that space behind him invites a counter attack. Balancing those two instincts is the real skill, and it is easy to imagine a coach asking him to pick one job over the other. Ipswich fans will hope he keeps getting the freedom to do both, because that combination is rare in his position.