x

Lambert: We Still Need to Establish Dozzell's Main Strength - Ipswich Town News

Blues boss Paul Lambert was pleased with Andre Dozzell’s performance at Gillingham on Saturday, in which the 20-year-old played a significant part in Kane Vincent-Young’s winning goal, but admits that finding the best way to utilise the England U20 international’s talents is still ongoing.

Dozzell was making his third start of the season, his second in the league, in addition to one appearance from the bench.

"I thought he did well, he hasn’t played for a long time for the first team for a while, although I know he played with England [one start and one sub appearance earlier this month],” Lambert said.

"His pass in the move was the catalyst for the goal because he’s the one that changed the pace of the ball at that time.

"I was happy for him for that hour he was on. The kid’s not played that much. He’s a big talent Andre Dozzell, he really is, we’ve just got to get the balance of what his main, main strength is. If we get that then he’s a really good player.”

Lambert says it’s about playing the right players around Dozzell and also playing to his main attributes.

"There is that, and what his strength his,” the Blues manager continued. "What’s his main strength, whether it’s scoring goals or assisting goals or being a playmaker. I think he’s in between that at the minute because he’s such a good footballer.

"It’s getting that final thing from him to see where he is, but he’s only a kid, he’s only a young boy, that’ll come. He’ll settle into something that he’s really good at.”

Like his father Jason, the midfielder made a scoring debut as a 16-year-old at Sheffield Wednesday in April 2016.

However, more than three years on he has made only 23 senior starts and 13 sub appearances, fewer than the likes of Luke Woolfenden - 62 starts and five games as sub for Town, Bromley and Swindon - and Flynn Downes - 43 starts and 20 matches from the bench for the Blues and Luton - who both had loans spells as part of their development.

Lambert says that it’s understandable that Dozzell is still finding his feet in first-team football.

"I think so because he had a bad injury, he was out for a length of time, that’s probably stopped him going on loan when he might have gone out,” he reflected.

"His game time is not as high as Woolfy and people like that. But Andre’s a really big talent.

"Put it this way, when I play him, I’ve got absolutely no fear whatsoever about what I’m going to get from him.”

What to read next:

U19s Beaten in Second Game at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s were beaten 3-2 by Slovan Bratislava in their second and final group game at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Town Continue Pre-Season at Aberdeen
Town face Scottish Premiership Aberdeen at Pittodrie in their second public friendly of the summer this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Town Women to Start WSL2 Season at Southampton
Ipswich Town Women will open their first ever second-tier season with a WSL2 away game at Southampton on Saturday 6th September (KO 2pm) with Nottingham Forest the first visitors to the JobServe Community Stadium, the Blues’ new home, the following weekend.
Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.