Leeds United came very close to earning a playoff spot in the 2016-17 campaign of Sky Bet Championship. Under the tutelage of Garry Monk, it seemingly appeared that the sleeping giants of English football have finally woken up, but owing to their self-constructed demons, they failed to cross the line. They finished 7th in the table- certainly one place (at least) lower than they should have.
The Whites, for a major chunk of the previous campaign, showed ambition, grit and perseverance and plucked decent results more often than not, but it was their helpless run of form in the concluding stages which hindered their progress. Monk’s magic did work, but agonisingly, it wasn’t enough to take the club to the Premier League.
Nonetheless, it would be important for Monk’s heir to not let the confidence amongst the troops wither away and for the same, acquiring quality players over the course of the summer transfer window should hold paramount importance. Apparently, one of the players to be linked with a move to the Elland Road is VfB Stuttgart’s attacker Alexandru Maxim.
Maxim has been anticipated to be lured by Leeds United for quite some time now. A player who was once targeted by top quality clubs across Europe, hasn’t really blossomed in the manner he should have and there will always be an element of risk in signing him, as he plied his trade in the German Bundesliga II last season with the Reds, which is the testament to the perception that he was unable to make the most of his potential.
The 26-year-old, however, carved quite a fruitful season in the German second division last term, making 25 appearances (10 as a substitute) and inked 5 goals and 6 assists apart from making 2.3 key passes per game on an average. He is believed to be thinking about his future now and Leeds United should fancy their chances of finally signing him. Predominantly a no. 10, he is capable enough to be stationed on either flank and belongs to the rare breed of footballers who are capable of using both feet.
Maxim has plenty of experience at the club level as well as with his national side, Romania. He is an excellent set-piece taker, crosses the ball meticulously and holds the ball well up front. Besides, he always intends to make something happen up front with his shrewd passes and undoubtedly has the aura to make a notable difference in uplifting the quality of the ranks of the Peacocks.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
