Mid-term lethargy at Leeds United

Mid term lethargy at Leeds United is seeing the club drift towards the relegation zone. Time to rest some players and create a winning formula with a fresh line up.

After some critical wins Leeds United plateaued before the World Cup break.  After being seen off by Manchester City in late December that flat lining has continued into the New Year. The only comfort is that Leeds United have picked up points through drawn games.

Leeds have some players who are currently not performing.  Since returning from the World Cup both Aaronson and Kristensen have gone off the boil.  Aaronson too easily falls over when dispossessed and Kristensen has lost some pace when defending, with Ayling looking sharper in his shoes.  Aaronson, like Kristensen, ought to be dropped for a while.

More recently Sumerville has lost some form with a nasty side seen of him against West Ham United.  Leeds United have missed the spark of Sinisterra with his injury keeping him out. Against Cardiff City Struijk looked burdened by the captaincy and made some dodgy decisions. Sadly Forshaw has not looked sharp enough but lacks consistent game time.

With the youths Gelhardt is no longer making an impact as a sub – his start against Cardiff City showed not enough form to keep him on the pitch for 90 minutes.  It is time for him to be loaned out so he gets game time.  Joseph is being given opportunities but is finding the step up to premier league a challenge.

There are some positives

Tyler Adams has cemented his place in midfield and adds strength that was sorely missing in the awful first half against Cardiff City.    Greenwood is getting more game time and is slowly learning his trade.  Perkins shows a cool attitude to his first premier league goal that may see elevated to impact striker over the other youths for now.  And Harrison’s return with his assists could spark with Gnoto to get the ball to Rodrigo.

When he started with Leeds United Gnoto made an immediate impression with his dribbling and earned a starting place.  The arrival of Wober may help Struijk and Ayling be more sharper in defence.  He looks ready now.  It is good news to see Bamford back on the bench and his goal against Aston Villa shows promise.

So Leeds United still lack a striker.  Rodrigo is having his best season and beginning to show leadership in the team but it is too early to say he is Bamford’s replacement.  The possible arrival of Rutter is overdue – a young striker who can play alongside  Rodrigo.

With the return of Sinisterra in midfield, Wober starting in defence and Harrison on the wing there is enough for Leeds to start winning games with Rodrigo’s goal scoring form. If Bamford or a new striker slots into the squad in the next few weeks the future is bright. 

Marsch has the talent to keep Leeds United up – he has been given the money to bring new players in.  Whether Leeds United do stay in the Premier League is now down to his tactical and motivational nous – block up  porous defence and create more shots on goal.