Leeds United are flying high currently as they registered three back to back wins after suffering an embarrassing defeat against league strugglers QPR. The race for the automatic promotion spots seems to be coming down the wire between Sheffield United, Leeds United and Norwich City. The Whites have done exceedingly well given the fact that they didn’t make any wholesale changes to the squad since Marcelo Bielsa took over at the club.
With limited signings, the Whites have emerged as one of the teams to beat in the ongoing season, and they should have enough firepower to move to the Premier League after more than a decade long absence. However, the Whites have a razor-thin squad, and there is no doubt in our mind that they will need to invest heavily in the summer if they move to the Premier League.
One area where they lack many (or in fact any) options is that of an attacking midfielder. Currently, Tyler Roberts is occupying that role who is a striker by trade. For a few months, Pablo Hernandez was used in that role after the departure of Samuel Saiz.
It’s a good thing to have flexible players as the manager has often used the likes of Pablo Hernandez, Ezgjan Alioski, Tyler Roberts, Jack Clarke and Jack Harrison in various roles. However, to stay in the Premier League, we believe the Whites will need specialist players and a no. 10 player is crucial for survival in the top tier.
Nick Powell of Wigan Athletic is currently in the last few months of his contract and we believe the Whites can make a shrewd signing if they manage to lure him to Elland Road. The Whites were linked (Birmingham Live) with him in the summer of 2018 but nothing much materialised during that time.
The former Manchester United player has all the necessary skills to be a successful attacking midfielder under Bielsa. Powell likes to operate in between opposition’s midfield and defence line and he has the ability to pick out a pass in the final third.
Moreover, the former England u-21 international shows impressive finishing skills and he has the ability to find the back of the net regularly. Powell has managed 5 goals and 6 assists in 22 appearances this season. The Latics have struggled as a team overall, so in a better squad, we are quite sure that the midfielder would be able to come up with better numbers.
When required, the 24-year-old can be called upon to lead the line and his versatility and footballing IQ should make him a perfect fit for someone like Bielsa as he often wants his players to be flexible in their approach. On a free transfer, the Whites should definitely look to pull off this move in the summer.
