Making shrewd moves during the transfer window holds the key to the excellence of any football club. Leeds United are flying high in the Championship and a large chunk of the credit for the same could be given to their gaffer, Garry Monk. The former Swansea City manager has brought an undeniable change in the complexion of the club, taking them from the doldrums of sheer mediocrity to the heights of optimism for a promotion which is long overdue.
The January transfer window was really a productive one for the Whites as they played all their cards right by bringing nothing short of high quality. And one such asset which they acquired was Villareal’s Alfonso Pedraza on loan for the rest of the season on the deadline day.
The inclusion of an option to buy Pedraza for £8.5 million in the summer puts the ball in Monk’s court, provided Leeds United secures a promotion.
But then, the glimpses which have been on offer from the youngster are quite riveting and encouraging. The 20-year-old is a perfect blend of talent, toil, flamboyance and performance. He took very little time to acclimatise himself with English football, having scored in the 3-1 victory over Birmingham City and has had a galvanising impact upon the attacking endeavours of his side.
Pedraza has been giving out his all, week in and week out, covering every blade of the grass, creating space for his teammates, outrunning the opponents’ defenders with relative ease and all the praise he is earning is well deserved.
What has been most intriguing about him so far is the way he dribbles and his knack to put his opponents on the back foot early in the game. Monk has been roundly lauded by all who recognise the shrewd signing the young manager has pulled off. Pedraza will be vital if they are to clinch promotion and will be even more crucial after that.
Having emerged from the ranks of the submarines, the gifted Spaniard is taking baby steps towards the construction of something very fascinating. He is tall, full of pace, mobile and is a modern-day winger which any side would love to have in their ranks.
Should he continue his fine momentum for the remaining fixtures this season in the Championship, Monk shouldn’t leave any stone unturned to make his move a permanent one because he definitely has the calibre to be the face of the club in the coming seasons.
