Eddie Gray has waxed lyrical about Leeds United ace Samuel Saiz after his performance against Derby County and insists he gives the whole team a lift.
The 27-year-old made his return off the bench for the Whites on Wednesday night after missing the previous six games with a suspension.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side were held to a 2-2 draw in the league as Kasey Palmer netted an injury time goal for hosts Derby.
The Whites did appear on course for three points when Ezgjan Alioski made it 2-1 in the second-half and substitute Saiz was instrumental in the build up.
Leeds now have just 13 games remaining to try make up the eight-point gap to the Championship play-offs.
Gray has raved about attacking midfielder Saiz after his cameo in midweek and feels his comeback will be huge for the side.
He is expecting him to return to the starring XI in the club’s next game and feels he is an immense threat in the final third.
“He lifts the players around him because they are expecting him to make things, he gives everybody a lift,” Gray told LUTV.
“I don’t think there will be any doubt he starts on Saturday [against Brentford], I will be very surprised if he didn’t. He has got the spark and brings a different dimension to our play.”
OPINION
Saiz was introduced to the action after 55 minutes against Derby and Leeds looked a much improved side with him on the pitch. He is the talisman for the Yorkshire giants that keeps them ticking and looks a level above in the Championship. The Spaniard owes his teammates some big performances after his self-inflicted suspension and it appears that he is not struggling with match fitness. Leeds’ players will respond to the return of their key man and he certainly seems to get the best out of wide man Alioski. It will take a special run of results for the Whites to make the top six, but with Saiz at the forefront it should not be completely ruled out yet.