OPINION
Eddie Nketiah might not have started a game for Leeds in the league yet, but he’s already made a big impact.
He’s scored four goals in six games, two in the EFL Cup and two in the Championship. More importantly, those two league goals were both late on in games where he’d come on as a sub with the score tied at 0-0.
He got the only goal of the game in the 1-0 win against Brentford and scored the first and made the penalty for the second in the 2-0 win against Barnsley at the weekend.
He might be on the verge of getting dubbed super-sub but there are plenty of people who want to see him start for Leeds.
That’s a decision for Marcelo Bielsa, who has a lot of admiration for striker Patrick Bamford. The Leeds manager said Bamford was a ‘great centre-forward’ and tipped him to ‘improve his efficiency’ after missing big chances against both Swansea and Barnsley. [Leeds Live]
Bielsa could accommodate both players but that might involve a change in system, with plenty of talent out wide already. Helder Costa is a natural winger who also hasn’t had a start in the Championship yet and he would surely get the nod ahead of Nketiah on the flanks.
It’s a good problem to have, though. And it’s a ‘problem’ that is set to continue for the rest of the season, according to Athletic journalist Phil Hay.
Writing on Wednesday he said, “Around Leeds, they are stressing already about the possibility of Arsenal recalling Nketiah in January but his loan deal at Elland Road is like most of those sanctioned by Premier League clubs: able to be terminated only if he fails to make a fixed number of appearances.
“The same clause applied to Lewis Baker last season and, given Jack Clarke’s ongoing lack of involvement after rejoining Leeds, the winger could find Tottenham activating his at the turn of the year. But Nketiah is here to stay — albeit for one year only.”
Nketiah is on fire
This is great news for Leeds and fans will be absolutely thrilled that they’ve got Nketiah for the rest of the season.
He’s a natural finisher who’s scored at every level he’s played, including for the Arsenal first team. For Leeds this season he’s scoring a goal every 69 minutes and has an xG of a goal per 90 minutes. [WyScout]
He might be riding the crest of variance but he’s putting his chances away – scoring another two in just 45 minutes for the Under-23s on Monday.
His goals, whether they come from starts or off the bench, could help fire Leeds back into the Premier League.