OPINION
With the Championship promotion race as tight as it has been for some time Leeds United know that they cannot afford too many slip ups behind now and the end of the season.
It is for that reason the defeat at the hands of Queens Park Rangers will have been a real sucker punch for Marcelo Bielsa and his men, with the 1-0 loss highlighting some worrying problems in the Argentine’s side.
There was a definitive lack of cutting edge up front, Patrick Bamford struggling to lead the line effectively while the rest of the forwards failed to produce too many chances for the English hitman to stick the ball in the back of the net.
The biggest problem was the lack of connection between the midfield and the attack – a number 10’s role – and since Samu Saiz’s departure from Elland Road it has been an issue which has raised its head every so often.
Pabloe Hernandez is the obvious candidate to fill the role after previous experience there, moving infield from his wing position, but that then leaves a gap on the wing that needs filling – Stuart Dallas the likely figure to step up.
However the Northern Irishman is just worlds away from the Spaniard in terms of quality and so the veteran needs to remain – but who else can take on the role?
Anyone watching the under 23s clash against Newcastle United on Monday would no doubt have the answer – Clarke Oduor.
A natural winger himself, the 19-year-old – who has one first team appearance coming in the FA Cup this season – was a constant threat to the Magpies’ reserves but more impressively was a direct link between the midfielders and the forwards which saw him set up Ryan Edmondson for one of his two goals.
No doubt a gamble, things have stagnated for Leeds of late and there needs to be a new injection of energy into the side – Oduor could get Elland Road bouncing by bringing just that.