Simplify the following text for a Grade 7 native English-speaking person.
Original: Butcher made his debut for Ipswich against Everton in the First Division on 15 April 1978 and over the next eight seasons would establish himself as the club 's top central defender , combining leadership with great aerial ability and amazing courage .
Simplified: Butcher made his debut for Ipswich against Everton in the First Division on 15 April 1978 . Over the next eight seasons , he became the club 's central defender .