Despite years of despair in lower leagues, Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani did wonders by convincing iconic Marcelo Bielsa to take charge of the Whites to claim a long-awaited Premier League return. The heavyweights from West Yorkshire had glimpses of excellence in the recent past but fell apart in crunch time and the supporters, meanwhile, must be fearing a similar fate this term in spite of an incredible inception under the famous Argentine.
Leeds United, however, looked fatigued of late due to a lack of depth as well as injury crisis within the squad. But they hit a new low this weekend having suffered a 4-1 humiliation against West Brom at the Hawthorns. Bielsa, however, cooled down talks of winter incomings but might give it a second thought considering the current crisis.
If reports are believed to be true, the Whites are extensively scouting ex-Arsenal attacker Chris Willock who left for Benfica last summer and is now featuring week in week out for the reserves in LigaPro. The 20-year-old had a promising spell in North London but decided to part ways with his boyhood side to attain senior minutes elsewhere.
He opted to ply his trade abroad and signed a five-year deal with the Portuguese heavyweights. Yet a premature return to his homeland is pretty much on the cards as Leeds might tie him down on an initial loan to strengthen their attacking third.
The Three Lions youth international is rated highly in his country but might not be able to upgrade the Whites due to his inexperience at a senior level. Kemar Roofe as Leeds’ ‘number 9’ and Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski down the wings have been majestic forming a lethal front trio who have mostly delivered when started together.
But the lengthy injury layoff of Patrick Bamford is a massive setback whereas youngsters like Tyler Roberts and Jack Harrison failed to impress enough while being handed a regular role when both Roofe and Hernandez were sidelined for weeks.
Willock, nevertheless, would be a great inclusion in the long run. However, he is quite unlikely to make an immediate impact and emerge as the game-changer at Elland Road. The Englishman should be tied up by Leeds for the versatility he provides upfront but, at the same time, this signing must not be seen as a solution of their worrying upcoming weeks. The gaffer instead needs to add experience between the sticks, also strengthen the backline that troubled the Whites time and again.
