Sebastiaan Bornauw called out after his actions in Leeds United vs Birmingham – ‘Panic mode’
Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw has been accused of going into “panic mode” against Birmingham City despite victory on Sunday.
Championship side Birmingham had the better of things over Daniel Farke‘s beleaguered side for most of the game at St Andrew’s, but the Whites won on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Leeds were on the back foot from the off in the fourth round FA Cup tie as Lucas Perri was forced into excellent saves from Demarai Gray and Jay Stansfield.
The Elland Road outfit looked out of sorts after Farke made six changes from the team that drew 2-2 at Chelsea on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds centre-back Bornauw was heavily criticised by former Liverpool and Everton player Don Hutchison for his role, despite eventually getting over the line into the fifth round.
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Don Hutchison rips into Leeds defender Sebastiaan Bornauw
Bornauw swapped Wolfsburg for Leeds on a four-year deal for around £5million last July, but he didn’t make his Premier League debut until December.
Since coming off the bench in a 3-1 win over Chelsea on 3 December, Bornauw has featured eight times for Leeds in all competitions.
While he was seemingly signed as a backup defender, his defensive work has been questioned, and the same happened at Birmingham.
Speaking live on ESPN coverage, Hutchison was not impressed with how the 26-year-old acquitted himself against the Blues.
“Bornauw seems to be in panic mode; every time he gets it, he just clears it,” he said.
And some Leeds fans didn’t hold back in their criticism of him at half-time on social media, but fortunately, he did improve before being hooked for extra time.
- Read more: Sebastiaan Bornauw surplus to requirements as Daniel Farke wants new Leeds United transfer
Will Leeds’ quiet transfer window come back to haunt them?
Leeds’ sole signing in the winter transfer window was Brighton’s attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte on loan for the rest of the season.
He made his first Leeds start in the Birmingham game but has been used sparingly by Farke so far.
Now that Jaka Bijol is back from injury, Leeds’ backline is looking a bit more well-stocked. But if another injury occurs, Bornauw is likely to get more game time.
The Yorkshire outfit are six points above the relegation zone and sit 15th in the Premier League table.
Buonanotte will not be getting any extended opportunities in the Premier League after his display on Sunday, either, so it’s back to the trusted troops now.
Leeds fans will hope their relative inactivity in the winter window will not come back to haunt them as they bid to stay in the English top-flight for another season.
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