OPINION
Leeds United defender Vurnon Anita was once again out of his depth when promoted to the starting XI and his shocking display against Preston should be the final nail in the coffin.
The Whites signed him up on a free transfer at the beginning of the season after he left Newcastle United, but should force his exit from Elland Road in the summer.
He started his career as a defensive midfielder and his transformation into a full-back has certainly not gone well.
The 29-year-old has struggled defensively when called upon by the Yorkshire giants and Tuesday night was no different in the 3-1 defeat to Preston.
He was deployed at right-back by manager Paul Heckingbottom and was ripped apart at times.
The Dutchman struggled to prevent crosses going into the Leeds box and he also conceded a penalty, which turned the game on its head when converted by Paul Gallagher.
Anita really has proven that he can’t do a job at full-back for the Whites despite filling that role during Newcastle’s title-winning season last year.
He was a lot more protected in that Newcastle team as they dominated the ball and has looked extremely vulnerable when stepping onto the pitch in a Leeds shirt.
Anita was definitely worth the punt when they signed him, but the club need to clear out the deadwood in the summer and he has to be moved on.
Leeds need to address their issues at full-back ahead of the next campaign and finding a first-choice left-back should be high on the transfer agenda.