Barry Douglas’ capture happened all of a sudden and it took everyone by surprise how Leeds United managed to pull off the signing of one of the best left back in the Championship, a position which has troubled them a lot in recent years. The fee was undisclosed, but various sources reported that the Whites paid somewhere around £3m to acquire the services of the man who had 15 assists and five goals to his name last season where he played an integral role in Wolves’ promotion run.
It was clear what United were going to get from him and even some Wolves fans were surprised that manager Nuno Santo allowed the left back to leave after such an impressive season. Douglas seems to have started from where he left off last campaign as he is the only new signing who has featured prominently in the playing eleven at Elland Road. Douglas can be termed as a complete modern day full back as he is adept at doing his defensive as well as attacking duties. The Scotsman has forged a good partnership with Egzjan Alioski down the left flank and has already provided two assists in the Championship.
Last season, the Whites were struggling to find a proper left back, and they used Gaetano Berardi (who is traditionally a right back), Vurnon Anita (whose regular position is that of a defensive midfielder) and Laurens De Bock (who was brought in the January transfer window). All three were below par, and the then manager Paul Heckingbottom had to promote Tom Pearce from the youth academy later in the season to fill the left back role. De Bock’s signing turned out to be a major bummer as in a few months everyone realised that the former Club Brugge left-back wouldn’t make it to the top level at Elland Road.
Sorting out the left back position was one of the most significant tasks at hand for Bielsa. The Argentine manager’s tactics depend heavily on the wide players as they always push forward at every given opportunity and stretch the play as much as possible. Thus having a competent and proven left-back was a necessity.
Often new players take time to settle in the new club, but Douglas seems like he has been playing in the left back role for the Whites for quite a few years. Leeds are also helped by the fact that at Wolves, he used to play in a wingback role which improved his attacking outlet down the left further.
Along with producing quality deliveries when on the ball, Douglas works hard when he is off it and is perseverant while defending. All in all, one can say that United have got a Premier League pedigree player at their disposal and the signing of Douglas is going to work wonders for them throughout the season.
