Žan Vipotnik didn’t have to try very hard to get on the scoreboard last season. The Slovenian was one of the division’s most clinical finishers with 23 Championship goals and the Golden Boot after a campaign that announced him as one of the most clinical finishers in the division. The goals have been a bit slower to materialize this time. They’re among the early leaders, with Swansea’s top shooter from the 2025-26 season yet to find his rhythm.
A Different Role So Far
Here are the contrasts. A year ago, Vipotnik broke out of the gate and looked back never. Instead, he has been the rotation man this season, with Adam Idah in the No.1 spot, and he’s already scored goals. It is difficult to get momentum going with limited minutes, and early signs from the service and the confidence that helped drive their success last year have not been fully restored.
Swansea’s strong collective start has papered over the individual gap. The side have looked organised and difficult to break down and capable of picking up victories without their usual top scorer.
It’s a testament to the squad’s strength, but it’s also a test for Vipotnik, who will have to claw his way back into the fold to regain the quickness in front of the goal that led him to become the Championship’s top scorer.
Patience and Belief
There isn’t a lot of panic going on around the club. Vipotnik is still well respected, and those of you who observed his performance last season know he still has some good stuff in him. The series could be turned around with a few starts and an early goal.
For the time being, though, the tale is one of adjustment: a Golden Boot winner who is yet to see the ball hit the net again, and a team without him to take the lead or maintain pace at the top.
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