Little over 12 months ago, Leeds United and Jesse Marsch decided to cash in on Leif Davis – allowing the left-back to join Ipswich Town and now, the defender is proving that decision to be a bit of a mistake.
A mistake, or at least, having him now would solve our ongoing left-back issue. He’s starred for Ipswich since his move to Portman Road. Last term, he had a hand in 17 goals in 46 games for The Tractor Boys.
Incredible stats, albeit in League One. But this season, he is showing everyone he is easily good enough for the second tier of English football. Five games so far – one assist. But there’s more to it than that.
A quick look at WhoScored’s stats, and it is clear he is one of the best left-backs in the League. The 23-year-old boasts an average rating of 7.23, ranking inside the top 30 players of the division at this stage.
Leeds sold Davis in 2022: Now he’s one of best in Championship
Not only is he impressing in overall terms. But in terms of key passes after five Championship matches, Davis has already produced a whopping 18. Behind two – both of those are midfielders,. not a defender.
Norwich’s Gabriel Sara has an incredible 25 from five games, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with 21 in second. Of course, Davis’ form has come about after going on loan initially to Bournemouth and then to Ipswich.
Getting that senior game time, allowing him to build confidence and experience, has got him to the level he is at now. Had he remained at Leeds, that is unlikely to have happened. But, he’d improve us now.
EADT say Ipswich paid north of £1m for Davis and it will be interesting to see, perhaps down the line, if Leeds have a buyback clause in position for him. If not, and it is a blunder. He solves our left-back issue.
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