Leeds United had a very busy transfer window in the summer but the ongoing transfer window hasn’t panned out in a similarly convincing manner. Garry Monk has done his assignments meticulously and has taken his side to the playoff spots, something that was just an outside chance when the season began. Though the Peacocks have already exceeded expectations, they are not going to be complacent from here on as they look all set to cross the line, particularly after what they have discovered of late.
Throughout the transfer window, Leeds United had been linked with Villarreal’s youngster Alfonso Pedraza, and it has been reported that he is all set to join the Elland Road in the coming hours. To the beginners, Pedraza is a product of Villarreal’s academy who has been with Segunda outfit Deportivo Lugo but the La Liga side are keen to cut his loan spell at the Spanish second tier and ship him to England on loan for upping his credentials and development. However, the contract is believed to have a clause which will allow Leeds United to keep the Spain U21 international with them if they get promoted.
Pedraza is renowned for his blistering pace on the left wing with his left foot being his dominant one of the two. He is a goal scoring wide man, having plundered 6 goals and 6 assists for Lugo, knows how to keep the ball at his feet and surges forward with sheer ease. Considering the gravity of the signing and impact he is likely to have for the Whites, one should not be surprised to see Pedraza hitting the deck from the word go under the tutelage of Monk. But an important question as to who will he replace in the starting line-up needs to be highlighted.
Arguably, it could be Stuart Dallas to be the victim owing to the incoming of the newcomer. With an asset like Pedraza at his disposal, the former Swansea City boss might be tempted to alter his tactics and let Pablo Hernandez play just behind their hit-man Chris Wood as the no. 10 in the line-up.
Dallas is likely to be pushed to the bench and with Doukara providing an option as well, the former’s chances of game time could be reduced substantially. It will be interesting to see how Leeds United set up their starting eleven and Monk will have a responsibility to ensure his side’s morale or balance doesn’t get shunted.
