Reports have started to emerge that Leeds United are nearing a deal to sign Hadi Sacko on a permanent basis. Having been brought on loan from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window of 2016, Sacko proved to be an unpredictable customer whose erratic run of form failed to live up to the hype that was created with respect to his arrival at the West Yorkshire based club at the onset.
Apparently, the board is believed to have made up their mind thus, we have compiled a brief SWOT Analysis involved with respect to this promising player who hasn’t blossomed in a full-fledged manner so far.
Strengths
Pace is unarguably the most notable asset which Sacko thrives on and being a right sided winger, he loves to cut inside to his left and test the resoluteness of the opposition’s goalkeeper on plenty of occasions. What he does really well is stretching the defence of the opponents and allowing his fellow midfielders to get into the scheme of things.
Besides, he contributes a fair share in the defensive aspects of his side and he dribbles meticulously which really makes him seemingly appear to be an appealing commodity. Besides, he is a bit versatile as well and can ply his trade on the right hand side of the midfield as well.
Weaknesses
The former French U20 international might have raw pace in his legs but more often than not during the 2016-17 season of Sky Bet Championship, we saw him succumbing in the final third despite clearing grounds to reach that point.
Sacko gets bereft of ideas and owing to his sporadic run of form in producing requisite output such as in inability in ejecting the right crosses, finding key passes or banging goals, Chris Wood was left estranged on innumerable occasions. Besides, he really needs to better the precision of his passes and make the most of the chances that he gets.
Opportunities
Having garnered a bit of taste of English second division football, the Sporting CP man would render his experience to whosoever is succeeding Garry Monk as the new gaffer of the Whites while the latter dishes out his plans.
The 23-year-old has the physique and pace a modern day winger needs to have and if he is handed a word of confidence and patience, he could fit the bill. What really lacks in him is consistency, for his calibre has never been a concern.
Threats
Sacko divides opinion amongst the Leeds United faithful and quite rightly so. In 38 appearances in the Championship after his loan move to the Elland Road, the former Bordeaux man could muster merely 2 goals and 3 assists and from a winger, one expects much better statistics.
He lacked the zeal and enthusiasm which a club like the Peacocks demand from the players and having proved to be an utterly mediocre player for a season, a move involving an investment of around £2million can backfire badly if he fails to click.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
