According to Daily Mail, as cited by Express, Leeds United have stepped up their pursuit of Emiliano Buendia. Marcelo Bielsa is keen on strengthening his side’s creative department, with the Norwich City star emerging as the latest top target. Buendia is expected to cost around £22 million, a figure that could have been much higher if the Canaries had stayed in the Premier League.
Emiliano Buendia: A top-quality chance creator
Buendia has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise poor season for Norwich City. The playmaker has emerged as a creator-in-chief for Daniel Farke’s team, providing a real spark in the attack with his ability to dribble past defenders as well as a brilliant rate of chance creation.
As a matter of fact, Buendia has created 83 goalscoring chances in the Premier League this term; a tally only bettered by Kevin de Bruyne, Trent-Alexander Arnold and Jack Grealish. The Argentine has also averaged 2.8 successful dribbles per game along with 207 successful pressures, which is 13th highest in the league.
Buendia’s productivity has been low, with the attacker just scoring one goal in 36 matches. But, that is mainly due to the futility of his attacking teammates as Norwich, as a whole, have scored only 26 goals this season.
Nevertheless, Buendia’s brilliant performances in the Premier League are more than deserving for him to stay in the top-flight next season, and Leeds United, in that regard, could be an ideal destination.
Why Buendia is a perfect fit for Leeds United
Despite being a right-winger by trade, Buendia is primarily known for his ability to create chances with his passing and dribbling. It makes him an ideal number ten, where Leeds United have lacked options, of late.
Pablo Hernandez is the club’s only real source of inspiration when it comes to providing key passes and shredding opposing defences with accurate through balls. But, the Spaniard may struggle to cope with the fitness requirements of the Premier League as he nears the final phase of his career. That is where Bielsa could certainly use the services of someone like Buendia.
The Norwich City star could provide the much-needed flair in the final third. His ability to dribble and deliver incisive passes into the box also bode well for the club’s overall creativity. The fact that the Argentine can play anywhere across the final third means Bielsa will be able to use him not only as an alternative to Helder Costa, but also a potential long-term replacement for Hernandez.
Stat courtesy: FBref
