OPINION
Kemar Roofe has been one of Leeds United’s untouchables this season.
When fit and available, the 14-goal leading scorer has been in the starting XI and no questions have been asked.
The 25-year-old’s performances have dictated that he has been the undisputed line leader, even when persuasive alternatives have presented themselves.
But it is time for Roofe to feel the axe on his neck as Marcelo Bielsa weighs up making major changes to a Leeds side that have lost four of their last six Championship matches.
The front man has scored just once in those half-dozen fixtures and has caused far fewer problems to defences than in the first half of the campaign.
As explained in an insightful Phil Hay column for the Yorkshire Evening Post, “Leeds are finding it increasingly difficult to play to the strengths and the feet of Roofe”.
The correspondent claims Bielsa now has a “big decision” on whether to drop Roofe and hand Patrick Bamford his first league start for Leeds in an injury-ravaged debut campaign.
The Argentine has generally only made changes when injuries and suspensions has forced his hand, and has been especially reluctant to axe star men like Roofe.
But, if the impressive Bamford is fully fit, then he should spearhead the attack against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Roofe can drop to the bench and offer an alternative later in the match when the hosts’ defence is tiring.