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Concerning statistic emerges from Leeds United's draw with Leicester
A worrying goalscoring statistic has emerged after Leeds United managed a 1-1 draw with Leicester City at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.
The Whites broke the deadlock on 26 minutes, courtesy of their talismanic Brazilian Raphinha. The winger’s goal was inevitably met with great celebration among the home fans, although it did spell out a worrying statistic regarding Leeds’ exploits in front of goal.
According to OptaJoe, that strike means that a whopping 45% of Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s Premier League goals this campaign have come from Raphinha. This figure is more than any other team that have notched at least ten in the competition (18 teams).
Almost too important?
Raphinha is now responsible for five of Leeds’ 11 league goals this campaign. Having a talisman is never a bad thing, although to rely on an individual so heavily for such a key component of the game isn’t ideal.
The Brazilian’s influence within the side has been no secret since his arrival from Rennes in the summer of 2020, but it seems as though his significance is increasing exponentially.
Without his creativity, inventiveness, clinical quality and mere existence, where would Leeds be? Well for a start, not 15th, which is the position to which Raphinha’s point-earning goal lifted the Whites – it could’ve been even higher, had Bielsa’s men not conceded the equalising strike just two minutes after taking the lead.
He does have inordinate importance to this side, but Raphinha’s contribution to the season has been utterly necessary for Bielsa’s injury-riddled squad. The notable absentee for the past six Premier League games has been Patrick Bamford, whose goals were integral for the Whites last term.
With the England international out of contention, Raphinha’s talismanic presence has been a god-send for Bielsa. And, although his overwhelming individual significance to Leeds is a slight cause for concern, let’s not bemoan it while it lasts, eh?
In other Leeds United news, we rate the Whites for their performances against the Foxes.