Graham Smyth explains what needs to change for Leeds United to be a ‘frightening prospect’
Leeds United will be a “frightening prospect” if their supporting act of attackers off the bench can start contributing more to the cause, according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth.
A front four of Daniel James, Joel Piroe, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter have established themselves as the starting options at Elland Road this term.
Meanwhile, the back up options of Willy Gnonto, Patrick Bamford, Jaidon Anthony and Ian Poveda have just two league goals between them in the Championship.
Smyth thinks if Leeds can add more goals from those players they will have something that no other club in the division has.
“Even just in games when the starting four play and just come off, I think Bamford, Jaidon Anthony, Willy Gnonto and Ian Poveda are going to have to start weighing in with more goals and assists of their own,” he told the Inside Elland Road podcast (1 December, 6:40).
“You know, they’re going to have to start adding a more significant end product contribution and it’s difficult because they’re coming into games late, you know quite often it’s only a short cameo.
“But if Leeds had the same potency throughout the game, no matter which combination was in the attack, then they really would be a very frightening prospect and I don’t think anyone in the division would score as many goals as them I just don’t think anyone else can say we’ve got a front eight if you like.”
Time to step up
It is obviously very difficult to have to watch on from the substitutes’ bench as players in your position do the business, and no one can really argue that the players in possession of the shirts for Leeds are not getting the job done right now.
But as a professional you have to be ready to perform, whether that is to cover an injury, to make an impact as a substitute or just because a team-mate merely needs a rest, when it is your time to be called it is your time.
And frankly the supporting options just are not chipping in enough with goals and assists. Whilever the starters are doing the job that is fine, but in the games where Leeds have needed a bit of spark or inspiration off the bench it just has not really happened.
So Smyth is right, if they can start addressing that issue then Leeds are not going to be just A force to be reckoned with in the Championship, they’re going to be THE force to be reckoned with in the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, Jonny Buchan revealed which player looked “frustrated” in the win over Swansea City.