Leeds United squandered the opportunity of gaining promotion last season, but the upsurge has been massive under Marcelo Bielsa who is on the right track to redeem their lost status. The veteran Argentine has preferred training over transfers throughout his managerial regime and continued to do so in West Yorkshire amid injury constraints and budget restrictions.
The absence of Luke Ayling never led to any panic transfer as the gaffer trusted Stuart Dallas in a makeshift right-back role. The 28-year-old Northern Irishman was impressive last season amid fitness woes and slotted in sensationally in various positions across the pitch. He has been one of their most consistent performers under Bielsa having shown utmost professionalism and commitment whenever called into action.
Dallas, meanwhile, has reiterated his desire to stay at Leeds (as reported by Yorkshire Evening Post) and the club must start discussing new terms with his contract set to expire next summer. He might be one of the most low-profile names of the current squad, but his impact has been immense in these early weeks while deputising for Ayling down the right-hand flank.
Why He Deserves A New Deal At Elland Road
The Whites have roped in Helder Costa this summer and loaned in Jack Harrison for one more season to bolster themselves on the wing. Pablo Hernandez is still going strong in his mid-thirties whereas the likes of Ezgjan Alioski, Tyler Roberts and Jack Clarke add more depth to the squad.
Dallas, therefore, is surplus to requirements in a wide attacking role but the flexibility he offers on the pitch makes him crucial in Bielsa’s Leeds United revolution. He could be deployed as a left-back, at the base as well as the tip of a midfield set-up along with the right-back slot where he has excelled so far this campaign.
What He Injects While Featuring As A Fullback
The former Brentford ace has not only kept three clean sheets but also found the net once against Stoke City. This depicts his all-round display from the flank with timely overlapping runs, crosses, link-up play and cut insides as well as the defensive responsibilities to marshall the last line.
Dallas has been lively and full of enthusiasm with his performances and thus deserves to rewarded with a new contract offer to stretch his stay beyond the ongoing term.
