Leeds United have had a great season so far in the Premier League and are battling for a top half finish instead of survival. However Paul Robinson believes the real priority is the need to strengthen in a couple of positions in the summer.
Robinson discusses Leeds and their squad
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I thought Helder Costa did really well when he came on against Arsenal. I thought he had a very good start to the season. I don’t think Leeds’ problems are in the attacking third of the field, I think it’s in the defensive third. Holding midfield is the big problem and defence, and the priority in the summer has to be there.
“Going forward they’ve shown what they can do. Leeds have plenty of wingers… Jack Harrison, Raphinha, Poveda, Costa. They’re all similar players and I don’t think they need any players in that area. If they’re going to sign an attacker in the summer I want to see a back-up for Patrick Bamford.”
It would be great if Leeds could bolster in midfield
Leeds United have been somewhat reliant on Patrick Bamford this season to score the goals upfront.
He has been in great form for Leeds so far in the Premier League, scoring twelve goals and picking up five assists in 23 appearances (WhoScored).
The Englishman has also managed 3.4 shots per game, which is by far the highest of any player in this current Leeds squad – the man in second, Raphinha, averages 2.3. And, with 40 goals scored in 23 Premier League games – the division’s joint-fifth best record – it’s no surprise that Robinson feels the priority for any summer signings should lie elsewhere rather than in attack.
However it feels like every time Kalvin Phillips is absent from the squad, the club struggles – his absence against Arsenal at the weekend promoted a major shuffle from Marcelo Bielsa as he looked to try and offset the midfielder’s loss, with Jamie Shackleton being deployed at right-back for example in order to have Stuart Dallas in the engine room.
Phillips is a big reason as to why Leeds are doing so well in the Premier League, as he has managed 2.7 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.8 clearances a game (WhoScored) – numbers that rank him first, fourth and sixth respectively among his teammates.
Therefore Leeds need someone who can come in when needed and perform to the exact same level and it is understandable to see why Robinson believes it should be a priority in the summer.
In other Leeds news, the club have managed to tie down an exciting prospect. Have a read here!
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