Leeds United’s season in the Championship kicked off in a topsy-turvy manner but the wheels fell on the tracks eventually and they are now well on course to finish the season in the top six, and if not an automatic qualification spot, a ticket for the playoffs appears to be virtually guaranteed. The Peacocks have accumulated 65 points from their 35 games so far, which has cultivated a sense of hopefulness across the Elland Road with respect to their promotion to the top tier, being placed 4th on the league table at the moment.
The Whites have been in a bulldozing mood up front but it has only been a one-way traffic up front. New Zealand international, Chris Wood, has been single-handedly (almost) catering to the striker’s requirements of Garry Monk’s side having scored 22 goals in 33 appearances, apart from registering 1 assist and creating as many as 27 chances as well, thus cementing his stature as a phenomenon hit-man up front.
He has been the solution for Leeds United every time they needed spark in the final third, but then, he has been marginally helped by the fringe players.
More than anything else, the West Yorkshire based outfit are missing another consistent goal-scorer to ensure their scoring spree, and this scenario might make Leeds United regret their decision of selling Billy Sharp to Sheffield United a couple of seasons back.
Sharp wasn’t given much leeway at the Elland Road and was shipped out after one season. Sharp was not really given a fair shake due to the frequent managerial changes and playing in areas he wasn’t accustomed to. He has, however, sprung back to life in League One after his move to the Bramall Lane where he has inked his name as a lethal and sensational striker.
In a total of 35 appearances in the third tier, the 31-year-old frontman has banged in 26 goals after scoring 21 in his first season. With the season far from over, Sharp can finish the league with even 30 odd goals to his name as his decent pace, sound aerial movements and clinical approach in front of the goal has made him a nightmarish figure for the opponents of the Blades.
Sharp is sharp, no second thoughts and had he remained at the Elland Road, Leeds United could have boasted of a formidable pair in the striking zone and given their calibre, they might have enabled Monk’s outfit to get an automatic promotion spot in the Championship this season.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
