Ivan Varfolomeev
Ivan is our club-record signing, and I think we’re all beginning to see why. When he signed, Tom Bayliss kept him out of the side as he settled, but if I had to pick my preferred duo now, it would be Ivan and Conor McGrandles. That’s no slur on Tom, but Ivan has that little bit of something.
I watched the way he moves, I’ll say that about another player later in the piece, the energy he has to get around the pitch, and that’ll be a big advantage in the Championship. Look, we’re going up there to fight for our place, and we’re going to have to do everything we’ve done this season, but a little bit better. At 22, Ivan is still learning, but he’s got great technique, and while the energy and work rate are what will ensure he can step up, his ability will push him beyond some of our other players, in my opinion.
He’s a certainty for Ukraine at under-21 level, and playing in the Championship, the senior side could come calling. He’s played top-flight in Czechia, that adds big-game pressure to his repertoire, and I think he’s the right personality. His reaction in those celebrations, there was something really engaging about him. His personal background helps make him a stronger person as well. His journey to England has not been easy, and that adds something to his overall game, in my opinion.
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