Dean Jones shares ‘luxury’ January transfer verdict at Leeds United
Dean Jones has admitted that Leeds United may be tempted to add a “luxury” number 10 to their ranks during the January transfer window.
The Whites slipped to fourth in the Championship with a 2-1 defeat to Preston North End on Tuesday 26 December, as they struggled to breakdown Ryan Lowe’s side at Deepdale, despite having the majority of possession.
That lack of creativity has been an issue at times for Daniel Farke and his side this season and Jones believes that the Whites may look to add an attacking midfielder to their side, especially if results continue to falter in the new year.
As quoted by Give Me Sport (26 December) he said: “I can understand why Leeds fans might want a No. 10. But I think it does feel like a luxury many teams would like in the Championship.
“I think you’ve got to ensure that you’re covered across the field in terms of depth when it comes to injuries before you worry too much about a situation like that. I still think Leeds have got enough creativity to get around this.
“But it is a craving that seems to be growing at the moment. So, once we’re into January, if things continue to slide slightly, I can see a temptation to do something like that.”
Temptation
Jones is right in his assessment that every team in the Championship would be keen to add a quality number 10 to their ranks. Such a player is a luxury to have in a squad and they don’t typically come around too often in England’s second tier.
Joel Piroe doesn’t seem to be the ideal fit to start behind a centre-forward, despite Farke’s insistence that it is the Dutchman’s best position. He has always played as a striker throughout his career and looks more comfortable as a genuine number nine.
There is plenty of attacking and creative quality at Elland Road to help Leeds United in their push to return to the Premier League. While the defeat to Preston will have set off alarm bells, it is ultimately only one game in an incredibly long season.
Only a week ago, Leeds had put four past high-flying Ipswich Town and spirits were high among supporters. One blip at Deepdale will not define the Whites’ season and they have shown throughout the campaign so far that they can create plenty of chances in possession.
An extra number 10 would be a boost, but every team in the top half of the Championship will be thinking the same thing.
In other Leeds United news, Brighton have reportedly done their homework on Crysencio Summerville ahead of the transfer window