‘Kid sees himself as a midfielder’: Leeds loanee bags rare start but manager puts him in defence
Leeds United loanee Robbie Gotts was finally handed his Lincoln City debut in Tuesday’s 3-1 home defeat to Portsmouth.
The 20-year-old has had to bide his time for a chance since arriving on loan at the League One club at the end of the domestic transfer window.
He has sat on the bench for the first five games of the season but started against Portsmouth – at right-back rather than his favoured midfield spot.
Lincoln manager Michael Appleton was happy with what he saw of Gotts before he was replaced by Harry Anderson with 25 minutes remaining.
Speaking to Lincolnshirelive he said, “I thought Robbie did well in the first half, I thought he was good.”
“They targeted him a little in the second half and were putting diagonal balls on him. That’s why we made the change.
“I think the kid sees himself as a midfield player but he’s certainly played enough times at full-back for us and numerous other clubs up and down the country to register an interest in him.
“He is capable of playing both roles.”
We’re delighted for Gotts and it looks like he’s going to get a run of games because of injuries in the Lincoln side.
Gotts played at right-back but that’s not where Bielsa has played him.
He put in a solid shift in midfield in his only start for the Leeds first-team – in the FA Cup loss to Arsenal in January earlier this year.
And he played in midfield when he came on as a sub in his other two first-team displays.
Hopefully, he can hold down his place and progress through the season and catch Bielsa’s eye.
Leeds fans were beginning to grow frustrated at the youngster’s lack of game time since arriving at the LNER Stadium and will be glad that he has finally been given a chance.
And Gotts’ versatility could well prove vital for the League One club.
Having won the Whites academy player of the year back in July, we’re hopeful that Gotts still has a bright future at Leeds – he’s under contract there until 2022.
In other Leeds United news, 3 key players out, Bielsa to axe 21y/o in major change – Predicted Leeds XI v Palace