OPINION
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has had to contend with several untimely injury problems so far this season, none more so than the double blow of losing Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi simultaneously.
That duo represent his first and second choice at right-back, and Bielsa has been forced into playing winger Stuart Dallas in that position for the last few games.
The Northern Ireland international has stuck at his task admirably, but it has becoming painfully clear that Dallas is simply not a defender, and is unable to carry out the job at the level required for Leeds.
It is understandable that Bielsa has turned to one of his more experienced players to fill that void, but the fact is that Dallas’ experience does not make up for his lack of know-how in defence.
Against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday came another torrid display from Dallas, who struggled to deal with an admittedly dangerous Baggies attack in a damaging 4-1 loss.
It is pretty clear for all to see that this experiment has run its course, and it must be ended now.
Bielsa has youngsters such as Jamie Shackleton ready to deputise at right-back, with Conor Shaughnessy another potential option there.
Both players may lack the requisite experience, but the fact is that they both know how to defend, and that is simply the most important thing at the moment.
Leeds cannot afford a dodgy defence if they are to keep up their challenge, and Bielsa must now take a punt on youth if he wants to stop the rot after their loss to the Baggies.
The Dallas experiment is not working, and the sooner Bielsa realises that the better.