Paul Robinson raves about Leeds United-linked Okay Yokuslu
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson believes Turkey midfielder Okay Yokuslu is a “top-class player” but does not think he’s “dynamic” enough for Leeds United.
After an impressive loan spell at West Brom in the second half of this season, Yokuslu has found himself with a summer move from Celta Vigo to Leeds.
Spanish newspaper Faro De Vigo has reported that the 27-year-old defensive midfielder has caught Leeds’ eye with his performances at The Hawthorns.
As quoted by the Express & Star, Yokuslu has also declared that he wants to stay in the Premier League after proving he can perform at the highest level in English football.
And while Robinson was impressed by the Turkey international’s form at the Baggies, he isn’t sure he’s versatile enough for Marcelo Bielsa.
In an exclusive interview with MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “The worry for me would be that he’s not versatile enough to play across the midfield. He plays that holding midfield role but you couldn’t play him higher up.
“I think he’s a really good player, he’s a top-class player. He was very good for West Brom even though they went down and I have no doubt he won’t be at West Brom next year.
“Whether he comes to Leeds and accept the role to play when Kalvin Phillips doesn’t play, I’d personally prefer to see a more dynamic midfielder who can play higher up and do that holding midfielder job when Kalvin’s not there.
“We’ve seen how much they struggle when Kalvin doesn’t play.”
Yokuslu made 16 appearances during his half-season on loan at West Brom as Sam Allardyce oversaw major improvements at The Hawthorns.
However, Yokuslu’s form wasn’t enough to keep the Midlands club in the top-flight.
He’s since played for Turkey at the European Championships.
Yokuslu started in the 3-0 defeat to Italy on Friday night but was substituted off just before the second and third goals went in, showing that he’s a vital screen in front of the defence.
In other Leeds United news, Ashley Cole slammed this Elland Road star after what he noticed him do in a Euro 2020 match.