During an interview with Football Insider, Danny Mills has tipped Jean-Kevin Augustin to make an impact at Leeds United after football restarts. The footballing authority in England is reportedly planning a resumption of the leagues next month, which could serve as a massive boost for Championship leaders Leeds United.
And Mills believes Augustin can give “the edge” the Whites need when he returns to full fitness, with the club leading second-placed West Brom by just one point.
How has Jean-Kevin Augustin fared so far?
After joining Leeds United on a short-term loan deal from RB Leipzig in January, Augustin has been unfortunate with fitness and lack of game-time. He has featured in only three league games so far, none of which were actually starts. That is primarily because the Frenchman has lacked the fitness even to make the matchday squad on most occasions.
All of this was combined with the Coronavirus pandemic that has halted not only Augustin’s but also Leeds United’s progress. And having played only 46 minutes of league football since arriving at Elland Road, it could be difficult for the Leipzig attacker to get back into top gear, once football restarts.
Augustin’s prospects in the current side
Augustin was initially brought in as a back-up for Patrick Bamford. Manager Marcelo Bielsa wanted to add more attacking options at his disposal, especially with his side not recording the best offensive record in the league. Despite the forward’s struggles with fitness, it was the right move by the Argentine.
Leeds United does indeed have a shortage of goalscoring options, with top scorer Bamford not considered as a lethal forward. That’s where Augustin could really come in handy as he is presumably the prime alternative for the ex-Chelsea starlet.
Unlike Bamford, Augustin can offer a much more dynamic yet physical presence in the final third. His qualities in the hold-up play, combined with his technical prowess means he could be an asset for the Leeds attack.
Danny Mills has tipped Jean-Kevin Augustin to make an impact: Is it the right prediction?
Mills is absolutely right suggesting that Augustin could make an impact when football restarts. As mentioned earlier, the Frenchman will provide Bielsa with additional options in the final third. His combination of technicality and physicality should add a new dimension in the side’s offensive unit.
But more importantly, the Leipzig star has the experience at the highest level of football, which the current crop of Leeds attackers lacks, at the moment. This could make a huge difference, not only this season but also in the upcoming campaign, with the Whites reportedly having an option to make the move permanent this summer.
