According to reports relayed by Leeds Live, Leeds United are keeping close tabs on Josh Doig. The Hibernian FC defender has been one of many left-backs who are being courted by the Yorkshire outfit this summer, with manager Marcelo Bielsa reportedly keen on bolstering his options in the wide defensive area. Leeds, though, could face stiff competition from Arsenal and Manchester City in the pursuit of Doig.
Josh Doig: Player Profile
Josh Doig initially kickstarted his youth career at Hearts of Midlothian before joining the Hibernian academy in the summer of 2019. He has since enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence, notably getting promoted to the senior side at the start of this season.
The left-back didn’t take much time settling in either, instantly making his professional breakthrough in the Scottish Premiership this season. Indeed, the 18-year-old has already notched up 24 league appearances, with his one goal and four assists helping Hibernian FC emerge as the third-best team in the country.
As his numbers would suggest, Doig is an attack-oriented fullback who loves to cause problems for the opposing backline with his forays down the flanks. One of his big assets, however, is the tactical flexibility he offers to the table, given the fact that the youngster can operate on either side of the flanks, almost effortlessly.
In addition to that, Doig can provide the seamless transition from defence to attack by carrying the ball across while specialising in his deliveries from the wider areas of the pitch – making him the latest asset in Scotland’s armoury of excellent left-backs in recent years.
Is Doig A Sensible Option For Leeds United?
Josh Doig’s ability to provide excellent support going forward, combined with his work-rate and technical astuteness, makes him, by default, an intriguing option for Leeds United. He can effortlessly settle in under the tactical philosophy of Marcelo Bielsa, but perhaps most importantly, the Scot offers himself as an alternative for Stuart Dallas.
Much like the Leeds United left-back, Doig can operate on both flanks and even in a more attacking role if necessary. It should provide a lot of tactical flexibility for Bielsa next season, ultimately adding the depth the Argentine was lacking in the wide defensive position.
At the age of just 18, one may argue that Doig lacks experience at the highest level of football. However, it also means that the youngster has the potential to improve as a player, especially with time on his side. As such, the Hibernian star could indeed be a smart long-term investment for the Whites this summer.
