Fans urged to watch out for Ipswich Town wonderkid with 'incredibly high IQ' | OneFootball

FLW's Ipswich Town fan pundit has earmarked Tudor Mendel-Idowu as the Tractor Boys' next big thing.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Ipswich Town have had a slow start to life upon their return to the Championship following relegation from the Premier League last season.

Going winless in their opening four league matches, as well as being knocked out of the League Cup at the hands of Bromley confirmed what was, at best, a slow start to life in the 2025/26 season for Ipswich.

The Tractor boys drew their opening match 1-1 away to Birmingham City, which was then followed up by a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton, who were relegated alongside Ipswich last campaign.

A 1-0 loss away to Preston North End followed by a 2-2 draw at home to Derby County raised eyebrows as to what was going on at Portman Road this season, with Ipswich among one of the favourites for an immediate return back to the top flight.

Then, in their most recent match, they defeated Sheffield United 5-0 at home, blasting the struggling Blades out of the water to earn their first victory of the season.

Ipswich have invested heavily in their squad this summer, bringing in the likes of Kasey McAteer from Leicester City, Azor Matusiwa from Rennes, Marcelino Nunez from rivals Norwich City and breaking the Championship record fee paid for a player to sign Sindre Walle Egeli for £17.5 million from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland

However, there is one starlet in the Tractor Boys ranks who has been garnering more attention than most - Tudor Mendel-Idowu.

Tudor Mendel-Idowu has been tipped to break into the first team fold under Kieran McKenna

Speaking to Football League World, Ipswich fan pundit Adam has specifically named Mendel-Iwosu as the standout player in the squad's youth ranks at the moment, tipping the 20-year-old to break into the first team fold before too long.

Adam said: "Tudor Mendel is one I'd keep an eye out on. He joined from Anderlecht in 2024, has spent time in Chelsea's youth academy, is capped at Under-15 and Under-17 level for England.

"I think he also has an incredibly high IQ academically, is the rumour around him.

"He's not started for the first team yet, but at the beginning of the season he's put in a couple of really good performances for the Under-21's.

"He seems to a very good talent, he's quite tall and strong for his age, and he's one that I could potentially see breaking into the side at some point soon.

"We've really invested in the academy since going to category one, but he seems to be the standout performer."

Tudor Mendel-Idowu is yet to make his first appearance in senior football

At 20-years-old, Mendel-Idowu is yet to have made his debut in senior football, having played in the youth systems of the likes of Chelsea, Anderlecht and now Ipswich.

Capable of playing as either a right-winger or an attacking midfielder, Mendel-Idowu has shone this season in the Premier League 2 for Ipswich's Under-21's scoring once and assisting twice in three games so far.

With the Tractor Boys bringing in the likes of Walle Egeli, McAteer, Akpom and Azon in attacking areas to add to the likes of Jaden Philogene, Jack Clarke, Sammie Szmodics, George Hirst and Wes Burns, competition for places in forward areas is at an all-time high.

However, if there is one youth player capable of breaking through into the first team fold, then Mendel-Idowu is that player.