Leeds United might be sitting on the top of the table, but they could have opened up a healthy lead early in the season given the way they have dropped points so far. The Whites have been guilty of not converting their domination into goals, and every game must be giving the team management and fans a sense of deja vu.
Scoring goals often rests on the shoulders of the striker and United’s first-choice forward Patrick Bamford has managed four goals in eight Championship appearances so far. However, the striker would agree himself that he could have scored more goals by now if he was more clinical in the final third. There are a large section of fans who want to see Eddie Nketiah start as the target man up front after he impressed in various cameos.
Noel Whelan on striker situation
BBC commentator and former Leeds United player Noel Whelan meanwhile believes that Leeds United are likely to persist with Bamford for the time being. Whelan said (Football Insider), “I don’t see Bamford being dropped. Bamford is doing what his manager wants him to do.”
”Eddie Nketiah is instinctive inside the box and is a different type of player to Bamford, but can he match Bamford’s work rate and hold the ball up like Bamford? Bamford’s work rate is excellent; he’s running into channels, pulling defenders out of position, Bielsa will be happy with him. Leeds have three more games before the international break and, injuries permitting, I don’t see the striker situation changing.”
Whelan is spot on with his assessment that Bamford is doing a lot of things right on the pitch and is a better fit for Bielsa’s game plan at Elland Road. The Englishman is getting into the right goal-scoring positions and is also playing a vital part in the build-up play.
Why might Nketiah be a good option?
However, we think that Eddie Nketiah should be given a shot in the first team. A striker might do a lot of good things on the pitch, but his primary job is to get the ball in the back of the net. Given Nketiah’s natural goal-scoring instinct, he might be able to provide that cutting edge in the final third.
Maybe Bielsa is worried that his team might not create as many opportunities with Nketiah on the pitch. However, the youngster has shown in his cameos that he is willing to work hard for his team. However, given Bielsa’s stubborn nature, one can expect Bamford to keep on starting as long as he is doing the ‘processes’ right. Hopefully, from Leeds’ point of view, the Englishman can bag a few more goals to get his confidence up.
