Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink has claimed that he would be “very disappointed” if he was Eddie Nketiah after the Leeds United starlet was benched against Derby County.
The 20-year-old had hit four goals in his first six United appearances prior to Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the Rams, but Marcelo Bielsa again chose to start with Patrick Bamford up front.
And Hasselbaink has suggested that his patience would be wearing thin if he was in the youngster’s position.
Speaking on Sky Sports (Sky Sports Main Event, Saturday September 21st, 12.16), he said: “If I was him, I’d be very disappointed not to start because what can you do more?
“He comes in and makes the difference. If you look at him, he’s always in the middle of the box, he always stays within the width of the box.
“He finds space and he’s got this nature of scoring goals. He is a proper goalscorer.”
Should Nketiah be disappointed not to start?
At this stage, he must be reaching a point at which he is wondering what more he can do to play his way into a starting role for Leeds.
Four in six is some record, but when you consider that he is yet to start a Championship match, that figure becomes even more impressive.
According to Transfermarkt, the youngster has hit a goal every 62 minutes for Leeds so far this term, and it’s difficult to think of too many other players who can match that record.
Patrick Bamford, for example, had a goal every 144 minutes prior to his blank agains the Rams on Saturday lunchtime, as per Transfermarkt.
That difference in efficiency has led to much speculation and discussion over who Bielsa’s first choice option should be up top, and you would have to say that there is plenty of weight behind the argument for Nketiah.
Not only does he score goals, but he creates chances for those around him too.
So far this season, as per Whoscored, Nketiah has averaged 6.9 shots per 90 minutes, as well as 1.2 key passes, and 1.2 successful dribbles. Bamford’s number are much lower, with 4 shots, 0.5 key passes and 0.1 dribbles.
If Nketiah can keep delivering those kind of performances, he will have to get his chance sooner or later, but until he does, he will have every right to feel aggrieved.