OPINION
Leeds United’s defensive frailties were once again on show on Wednesday night during the 2-2 draw away to Derby County and Pontus Jansson was the only player to really cover himself in glory.
Whites manager Paul Heckingbottom needs to act quickly to fix his backline as that is the one area letting them down, with their attackers free-scoring at the other end.
One man that should be axed following his dismal showing against Derby is left-back Laurens De Bock.
The 25-year-old only moved to Elland Road in January and has looked extremely shaky, with several amateur mistakes that can’t be accepted in the Championship.
He is by no means not a good signing, but needs time to be eased into the side and people are forgetting this is his first taste of English football.
Leeds need experienced heads right now if they are to make a late charge to the play-offs and that is why Vurnon Anita is the perfect replacement for De Bock in defence.
Anita is a versatile player that can slot into right-back and that would allow Gaetano Berardi to switch over to the left full-back area.
The 28-year-old is exactly the type of composed player needed in a vulnerable Leeds backline and impressed recently in the draw against Bristol City.
He is very confident in possession and can slot in nicely to the right hand side of defence alongside Jansson.
Anita has promotion know-how from last season with Newcastle and in truth has been very underrated this season by the Yorkshire giants.
The Dutchman has come in and out of the side without cement a regular position, but he has rarely delivered a bad game and his consistency could be key for the rest of the season.