Leeds United journalist Beren Cross says that he would like to see Stuart Dallas play in central midfield for their upcoming Premier League game.
Wednesday night was certainly not one of Dallas’ best performances in a Leeds shirt.
Not only did he gift Liverpool their opening goal on their way to a 6-0 thrashing by handling the ball in the area, but he also only completed 70% of his passes, losing possession 15 times in total and only winning three of his attempted eight ground duels (via SofaScore).
However, speaking after the game on the latest edition of the Blue, White and Yellow podcast, following a change in the second half that moved Dallas from right-back into central midfield, Cross felt the Northern Irishman was able to provide something for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, and he thinks it would be beneficial for Leeds to do the same once again against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
He said: “I think Dallas looked a bit better in the middle of the park second half, I was quite pleased. I mean, that was quite a refreshing sight, because it’s been so long since he’s been released into that position. And I think Bielsa needs to do whatever he can elsewhere in the pitch to make sure that happens on Saturday.
“I think he brought a lot more bite and energy and drive to the middle of the pitch. And I just want to see that change, just a different face in there, because it’s not been working for weeks now.”
TIF Thoughts on Beren Cross’ comments about Stuart Dallas at Leeds United…
Is Stuart Dallas still underrated?
Yes
No
The good thing about Dallas is that he is an incredibly versatile player, having played in numerous positions under Bielsa – with central midfield being one of them.
And as Cross points out, bite and energy is certainly something that Dallas brings to the side, as he is the team’s current leader when it comes to tackles per game with 2.7, while he ranks third in interceptions with 1.4 and also manages to get forward – averaging 1 shot and 0.9 key passes per game (via WhoScored).
Dallas’ positions this season have certainly varied a lot, especially as Leeds United have had to navigate an injury crisis that has lasted the majority of the season, but putting him in the middle of the park where he can play a role both at the back and in attack might well be the best way forward for Leeds, as Cross hints at.
In other news: ‘Surprised’ – BBC pundit claims Leeds will try sign £20m star ‘if they stay up’