Exclusive: Paul Robinson makes worrying Augustin claim after visit to Elland Road
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 has delivered a worrying verdict on new Leeds striker Jean-Kevin Augustin, after watching the player at Elland Road on Saturday.
Leeds beat Bristol City 1-0 with Luke Ayling getting the goal in the 16th minute.
Patrick Bamford missed a brilliant chance to make the game safe and Augustin came on for his third cameo appearance for his new club in the second half.
He didn’t score but also had a good chance from inside the box but he put his shot just wide.
However, Robinson, who was at Elland Road on Saturday, thinks it’s going to be “at least a month” until he’s ready to start for Leeds.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “He’s going to take time. He hasn’t played much football this season – he only started two league games for Monaco – and we know the demands that Bielsa puts on his players.
“He wants his players to play a certain way. It’s going to take a while for Augustin.
“He still doesn’t look match fit to me and I think it’s going to take him at least a month to get him to where Bielsa wants him to be.”
There are only 13 games left in the season and if Robinson is right, it means that Augustin will be match fit for the last eight games in the season.
If that’s the case it represents a really big gamble by Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds.
In Augustin, they could have a player who could be worth a lot more than Leeds will end up paying for him if they get promoted. And he could prove to be a real hit in the Premier League.
However, they need to get there first and with Patrick Bamford mis-firing, Leeds really need a striker who’s ready to go now.
In other Leeds United news, ‘It is happening’ – Phil Hay claims major Leeds off-the-pitch deal ‘is in the bag’