Whelan isn't shit. He's had a long and decent career. He's one of the few who I'd say has experience which actually shows. Like most players he has his limitations, but within those limitations he's pretty effective. Dean plays him because Dean isn't spoiled for choice, and knows he'll do a certain job. On the right day. Today in Dean's view was a right day.
Why today? Dean didn't want us giving away yet more needless goals, so sticking Whelan in as DM for a good bit of the match, against an average Ipswich side helped achieve that. It's called tactics. When Dean decided that he needed to pressure Ipswich more, after they had scored, Whelan comes off and Kodjia comes on. We seized back the initiative.
Been looking at the b.mail's player ratings. Scored pretty well across the defence. Note that they think Taylor had a good match. But no, according to some on here Taylor only does shocking matches. Hmm!