As reported by Football.London, Paul Robinson has suggested a Leeds United move for Danny Rose. During an interview with Football Insider, the former English footballer has stated, “The contract situation will be resolved eventually, and I would just like to see Danny Rose get out there and play football. I would take him at Leeds because obviously, there has been a number of defensive injuries.”
In this article, we will take a look at whether or not Danny Rose would be a good fit for Leeds United.
Do Leeds United Really Need A Left-Back?
Signing a left-back was the least of Leeds United’s priorities during a summer transfer window that saw the club spend over €100 million. However, that situation has completely changed following the late departure of Barry Douglas, which was combined with injuries to Liam Cooper and new signing Diego Llorente.
The injury to two of Leeds’ premier centre-backs, in particular, has forced Marcelo Bielsa to deploy Luke Ayling in a central defensive role alongside Robin Koch. It has, in turn, forced Stuart Dallas to operate as a right-back, with Ezgjan Alioski featuring on the opposite flank, due to the absence of a proper back-up like Douglas.
Alioski was excellent in the fantastic 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the last game. But, he is not a natural left-back and should find it difficult against a stronger side, especially at this level of football. Hence, Bielsa, at the moment, has no choice but to bank on the return of Cooper and Llorente, which should allow Ayling and Dallas to feature in their preferred positions.
The addition of a new left-back, in that regard, could help solve this problem. The club already has a back-up at right-back in Gaetano Berardi, so the acquisition of a similar cover on the opposite flank only makes sense.
What Does Danny Rose Add To The Table?
Danny Rose is not the most in-demand defenders in English football at the moment, following a massive dip in stock over the past couple of years. The Spurs star has been unfortunate with injuries and lack of opportunities, with manager Jose Mourinho notably deeming him surplus to the requirements during the start of the ongoing campaign.
At Elland Road, however, Rose could find a new home and for good reasons.
Unlike most of the current Leeds United players, the left-back has a lot of pedigree at the highest level of football, having made almost 200 Premier League appearances while winning 29 caps for England. Such experience could be priceless in Leeds’ bid to survive in the top-flight in the coming years.
Tactically, the 30-year-old could provide some decent competition to Dallas at left-back. In addition, he can also provide cover for midfielders like Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich. It could collectively bode well for Bielsa, who has had some problems regarding the lack of depth in the defence and the midfield department this season.
Rose could be a viable target for the Whites in the upcoming January transfer window as the Tottenham star looks to take the next step in his career.
