In the Championship, we can see many players who are on loan from Premier League clubs and are willing to make the most out of the opportunities that come in their way. To play amongst the elites, one has to learn to go toe-to-toe with the very best in the business and the second division of English football offers a pedestal of exposure to better oneself and hands a lesson or two as to how to face the environment full of animosity.
Leicester City had sent one of their youngsters in the shape of Tom Lawrence on loan to Ipswich Town. Signed by the Foxes in the summer of 2014, previous loan spells with Rotherham United, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City didn’t pan out well but the 23-year-old has really unleashed himself in the ongoing campaign of the Championship. In 34 league appearances, Lawrence has banged 9 goals and registered 9 assists in what has turned out to be a remarkable season for him.
A player who could play on either wing, central midfield as well as a centre forward if the situations demands, Lawrence is arguably the best when he is stationed on the left wing. He is an attacker with shrewd offensive skills which include blisteringly marauding forward, ejecting pinpoint crosses more often than not, testing the opponents’ goalkeeper from the edge of the box and is a decent customer for taking the set-pieces as well. His confidence to run directly at the defenders and force them to commit is simply exemplary and no wonder he has thrived in such a handsome manner this campaign.
Time and again this season, we have seen Leeds United relying too much on Chris Wood to cater to the goal scoring needs of the club. There has been an evident lack of support for the Kiwi international in Garry Monk’s side and the apparent lack of goals from other personnel has played an instrumental role in deterring the progress of the Whites in the business end of the season. The Elland Road echoed to have a flamboyant attacker and owing to the lack of the same, they have probably missed out on a play-off spot.
The Peacocks are seemingly likely to push harder for the promotion next time around and to do the same, they would need to bring quality attack-minded players to their ranks, like Lawrence. The Welshman is unlikely to get many chances with Leicester and considering the perception that he should be plying his trade on a regular basis at this point of his career, a move to the West Yorkshire based club might enable him to make the most of the strong footing he has carved for himself in the Championship this season.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
