Former Ipswich Loanee Outshining Godfrey, Drawing Comparisons to Saliba

While Ipswich Town may be struggling in the Premier League relegation zone, a former loanee is making waves in Scotland and earning comparisons to one of the Premier League’s top defenders.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, who spent half a season on loan at Ipswich in 2018, has become a key player for Celtic since joining permanently in 2022. This season, he’s impressed in both domestic and Champions League competition.

The American international has made 19 league appearances for Celtic and featured in 5 Champions League matches, where he’s averaged an impressive 2.20 points per game. In contrast, Ipswich’s recent loan signing Ben Godfrey has played just 230 minutes of football this season.

What’s more remarkable is that statistical analysis from FBref has found Carter-Vickers to be the 8th most similar center-back to Arsenal star William Saliba in Champions League play this season. The two defenders have posted comparable numbers in key metrics like passing accuracy, expected assists, tackles, and shots blocked.

While Ipswich likely made a good move in bringing in the experienced Godfrey, Carter-Vickers’ development since his brief spell at Portman Road shows the potential that can be unlocked in young loanees. His performances for Celtic suggest he could have been a major asset for Ipswich in their fight against relegation this season.