With no new deadline day signings at Elland Road (shocker) it's about time that Steve Evans took a look at who could step up to the plate for Leeds before the end of the season.
There's plenty of talent waiting in the wings at Thorp Arch and with a shortage of players currently at Elland Road this could be the perfect chance to give some of the other players a chance to show up, while fixating on the possibility of a better season come 16/17. Below is a list of players who (if given the chance) could act like new signings for the club. 1) Lewie Coyle The talented 20-year old has started to feature more since the departure of Sam Byram and looks like he could go on and be a starting player for Lufc. Blessed with plenty of pace and quite strong for his size, Coyle has the potential to be a mainstay in the Leeds back line if given the chance to get used to the Championship over the coming months. Coyle represents a far better option that current flippant right back Scott Wootton, who can be just as untrustworthy as Giusepoe Bellusci on his day and does not give any support when going forward. 2) Kalvin Phillips After being an inclusion at the back end of last season and the start of this season, Phillips has been demoted to the odd substitute appearance of late and has bags of potential to show if handed the chance. Phillips is clever on the ball and possesses the confidence to take the ball at his feet and push forward. His range of passing has certainly improved and his ability to find space outside the box would be perfect for Leeds, who can be very indecisive when threatening the goal. It's not too late for the 20-year old to stake a claim for next season and with the likes of Mowatt, Cook and Taylor making positions their own in the squad. Phillips could be the next young star to be a mainstay in the first XI if given the chance. 3) Jordan Botaka The talented Congolese midfielder is a forgotten man at Elland Road, for unknown reasons. Not liked by Evans for his lack of defensive capabilities, the Scottish manager is too dumb to realise that Botaka is more of an attacking winger and not a wide midfielder. If Evans can keep to his new 4-2-3-1 formation, then Botaka could be perfect for one of the wings. Blessed with tremendous skill and pace, Botaka can usually be found on the pitch with two players marking him, one thing that Leeds could really utilise when making space for the likes of Cook and Wood etc. With no winger signing on transfer deadline day and a somewhat lack of players to be available in the loan market, it's about time Botaka got the chance to prove what he can do at Elland Road, establishing himself before next season. If he's not able to pick up some game time and get the needed experience in English football, then Evans is the only man to blame if he's not ready come next season. 4) Lee Erwin The towering Scottish forward is now more known for his Twitter exploits rather than improving performances. It's true that there needs to be more improvement if Erwin is to stake a claim for the striking role next season. The talent is certainly there, along with the goals, but it's the application that seems to be missing right now, along with the serious lack of first team chances. There's no doubt that Erwin is a fantastic option and should be given a chance to prove himself before the end of the season and due to Leeds missing out on signing a striker, he just needs to be ready when called upon. 5) Casper Sloth One of the Cellino signings that has been forgotten at Elland Road this season, Sloth is anything but lazy when featuring for the development squad; picking up goals from midfield nearly every week. The talented Dane has all the potential to be a fantastic player for Leeds and with Evans deciding on a new 4-2-3-1 formation, Sloth could star in his predominant attacking midfield role. Sloth previously starred last season in the FA Cup defeat to Sunderland and has not been since, why? Fantastic passing range, vision and goals, Sloth has all the attributes to be able to make an impact at Leeds and truly deserves a chance to come on as a sub and make a name for himself over the coming months. If not, Leeds could be allowing another talent to leave without even giving him the opportunity. 6) Ronaldo Vieira Nan The talented Portuguese midfielder has made waves since joining Leeds on a two year deal and not just for his name sake. The 17-year old is a fantastic talent and can play an array of different positions should Leeds request him too. Although still young and new to the English game, Ronaldo has been claiming the plaudits of fans and media alike for his star performances for the Under 18's and Development Squad. Known for his quick feet and even quicker mind, Ronaldo is able to dictate play and control a football pitch with the flick of his heel, something that should not be scoffed at, especially with the lack of signings. With Leeds not fighting for promotion and not in the relegation fight either, blooding in a player like Ronaldo could really benefit both player and club for the future. 7) Frank Mulhern A tenacious hard working striker, with the perfect eye for goal - at only 18 years of age Frank's best years are well ahead of him. With Lee Erwin taking time to force his way into consideration, Mulhern could well step ahead of the Scot for consideration after some impressive performances for the development squad. With Leeds struggling for goals and the fitness woes of Chris Wood, could Mulhern be the next one to emerge as a major talent for Leeds United? 8) Alex Purver Included in a one of trip with the squad last season to apparently 'show him the ropes', Alex Purver is still yet to make a first team appearance for the club. The 20-year old midfielder has however proved his amazing versatility this season for the development squad and this could mean a brief stint at centre back could be an option should Leeds call upon him. Leeds currently have 3 centre backs in the first team squad, which is far from enough for such a busy season. If Leeds get an injury to just one of these centre backs we have no cover. Purver, who is predominately a defensive midfielder can also fill in at centre back and could be a fantastic option to utilise a ball playing defender in the mould of English stat John Stones. Composed on the ball and good in the air, this could a real chance for Purver to make a name for himself while cover is so short. So there you have it, who needs signings when you have this talented bunch waiting for opportunities? Well, still us, but it's good to know that while Cellino is being right with the purse strings there's still players to come in and make a difference. I'd like to thank Alex Mulvey from Future Whites for the information on Frank Mulhern and Alex Purver. Check out his fantastic work on Twitter: @futurewhites By Ryan Ingham
1 Comment
Sprake
5/2/2016 09:47:48 am
Of this players Jordan Bodaka, Casper Sloth and Lee Erwin should be sold. They cost over 2m but have not made a defference.
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