Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna praised Axel Tuanzebe following his performance against Brighton & Hove Albion, highlighting his rollercoaster career to this point.
The defender, who was once considered to be one of the brightest talents in Manchester United’s academy, struggled to play regular football during loan spells at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City. Injuries severely limited his game time, meaning that he arrived at Portman Road last September with little in the way of match fitness.
Since then, he’s played an important part in the Blues’ promotion to the Premier League and has looked comfortable stepping back up to the top flight once again.
He put in a strong showing against Kaoru Mitoma in Saturday’s stalemate at the Amex Stadium and was subsequently singled out by Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler and pundit Troy Deeney.
McKenna has also been impressed and believes that he can continue his current form against some of the strongest wingers in the division.
“I’m really happy for him with the journey he’s been on,” the Town boss said.
“This time last year, he was out of contract having played very little football in probably a couple of seasons. There were question marks around his ability to get back to playing as many games as he had.
“He’s got stronger and stronger. He finished last season really, really well. He’s stepped into the Premier League this season and he’s showing his qualities.
“There’s so many good wingers in the league now, there’s so many teams playing with out-and-out or wrong-footed wingers on both sides.
“He’s got one-v-one qualities and a way to shut down some very quick wingers. Of course, he had his hands full today against a top winger but I think he enjoyed the battle and he did a really good job in that duel. He’s well supported by his team-mates.
“It’s another good step for him and, with him and Ben [Johnson], we’re really, really strong in that position.”
