Leeds United squandered the opportunity to ensure a Premier League return in the last term but have indeed shown signs of improvement under Marcelo Bielsa. They are now one of the prime promotion contenders after a productive summer, but the veteran Argentine is worried about one particular aspect of their game having lost to Swansea City at home before the international break.
Patrick Bamford is spearheading the attack following the summer exit of Kemar Roofe. He has fired in 4 times already whereas Eddie Nketiah, his understudy, is knocking the door for a starting role after a few impressive cameo appearances. Yet the manager is concerned about the conversion rate and believes that the problem has gotten worse this season compared to the previous one.
“The lack of efficiency has been a characteristic of the team. I think your question is good and proper because the question represents the reality of the team, but I cannot add more than I have said before.
“Last year we needed between four and five chances to score, now, we need six chances to score. The team has improved defensively. The aspect we need a lot of situations to score and still, we defend well. It is difficult to manage that.”
Bielsa told Leeds Live highlighting the scoring issue that not only resulted in a defeat against the Swans but also a disappointing draw versus Nottingham Forest at Elland Road.
How Alarming The Concern Is
Bamford is a poacher who prefers to be in the right place at the right time over tracking back and nicking the ball in midfield. He has scored a few but wasted a host of chances that should have been converted considering his experience and expertise in the league despite failing to break into Chelsea’s senior team.
There’s one positive note to it though. The Whites are managing to create ample opportunities from midfield, also down the wide areas via Pablo Hernandez, Jack Harrison, Stuart Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski. Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw are orchestrating the show from the centre of the pitch, and the whole set-up is looking more balanced and creative after a catastrophic closure of the 2018-19 campaign.
What Could Be The Solution
The season is still in its early days, and both Bamford and Nketiah should improve with time having shown glimpses of their excellence in front of goal. However, the gaffer is boosted by the return of Tyler Roberts, who missed months of football through injury. The 20-year-old was a revelation last season when both Kemar Roofe and Bamford were sidelined.
He also impressed from the flanks and later in an advanced midfield slot that allowed him to dribble past the opponents and cause menace inside the box. His versatility could prove to be the solution of Leeds’ current conundrum, and Bielsa might even deploy the youngster as a ‘number 9’ to depict his potential and prospect.
