OPINION
Leeds United youngster Tom Pearce delivered a spirited performance on his senior debut on Saturday, but there is just no hiding from the fact that the club’s left-back problem has become farcical.
The 19-year-old full-back endured a mixed display as his side suffered a 2-1 loss against Sheffield Wednesday, with Atdhe Nuhiu scoring a second-half brace for the visitors at Elland Road.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side continued on their poor run of form during 2018 and plans for next season in the Championship should already be underway.
The Whites’ director of football Victor Orta has a colossal job on his hands as he looks to oversee a successful recruitment policy.
One area that the Yorkshire giants simply have to make a top objective is bringing in a left-back that can become an ever-present in the side.
Leeds have had to chop and change at left-back all season, with the likes of Laurens De Bock, Gaetano Berardi, Vurnon Anita, Stuart Dallas and now Pearce all getting a chance in that role.
Pearce showed glimpses that he has massive potential, but is still some way from becoming a serious Championship defender and fans are still left staggered as to why a real replacement for Charlie Taylor was not purchased last summer.
Heckingbottom needs some serious work doing to his squad in the summer window if he is to turn the current group into promotion candidates.
It seems ludicrous that Leeds would not fully solve their glaringly obvious left-back spot, with that position becoming even more important in modern day football.