When Patrick Bamford joined Leeds United last summer, the club’s supporters had every right to be excited given the forward’s track-record of firing in the goals at Championship level.
Having experienced prolific spells at Middlesbrough and Milton Keynes Dons in the past, the former Chelsea ace seemingly had all the skill required to help the Whites secure automatic promotion to the Premier League this season.
However, despite producing stunning displays against the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Bristol City and Preston North End, Bamford’s inconsistency in-front of goal has seen him find the back of the net on just 10 occasions during the 2018/19 campaign.
With Leeds missing out on a top-two finish in the second tier to Sheffield United, their only hope of securing top-flight football now rests on whether they can prevail in their play-off clash with Derby County on Wednesday.
Yet regardless on what division they find themselves in next season, it is clear that Bielsa should consider giving Mallik Wilks the opportunity to impress for the Whites when his loan deal at Doncaster Rovers expires later this month (via Transfermarkt).
One of the stand-out performers in League One this year, the 20-year-old has been exceptional for Grant McCann’s side as his 14 goals and eights assists helped the club secure the final play-off spot in the third tier.
Although Wilks may end up being powerless to prevent Charlton Athletic from prevailing in the second leg of Rovers’ semi-final clash on Friday, it is clear that he is more than ready to make the step-up in level and so Leeds should consider including in him their plans for the 2019/20 campaign.
A flexible forward who thrives both as a winger and as a central striker, the Thorp Arch academy graduate has all the ingredients needed to become a hero at Elland Road and will understandably be wanting to prove himself to Bielsa.
If Wilks can replicate the form that he has produced for Doncaster over the coming years for Leeds, he could turn out to be the perfect long-term replacement for Bamford.
What do you think Whites fans? Should Wilks be given the chance to impress at Elland Road next season? Or would it be more beneficial to loan him out again? Let us know below.
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