The clamour from Leeds fans at the moment is that Eddie Niketia should get the nod to start up front for against Derby. There is no doubting his contribution, two goals in four substitute appearances so far, four in six if we take the League Cup into account. Two goals which have broken the deadlock and undoubtedly won Leeds the three points, the latest of which came in the 84th minute at Oakwell against Barnsley. But should up front the main are of focus, or is it out wide where we need to improve?
The graph below from @AllStatsArentWe shows Leeds make the most crosses in the Championship, however they also have the lowest accuracy rating. Quality of service and quality of chances is vital if our strikers are to convert their chances. Leeds are often lamented for not taking their chances but perhaps it is better quality chances we need to be creating. Quality deliveries into the box and successful take-ons from our wide players will surely help our strikers?
On the left for Leeds are Jack Harrison and Gianni Alioski, whilst two extremely hard working players their cross accuracy and number of successful take ons is not the greatest. On the right is Leeds United’s talisman Pablo Hernandez and the hard working, versatile Stuart Dallas. Whilst Pablo still sits atop most of the statistical rankings from the Championship those who have seen him play this season will readily admit he has not looked on top of his game.
Leeds need an answer to the question of how to create better quality chances, but they already have one, a £15 million answer sat on the bench, Helder Costa. Niketia may have scored the crucial goals but it’s Costa who has opened teams with his take ons and passing. A full 45 minutes in the second half against Barnsley changed the game for Leeds and with him missing the U23s game mid-week could this be a sign that he will start on Saturday?
Costa is a versatile player, he could play anyhwere accross the attacking line-up. He could replace Pablo on the right, with Pablo moving into the No.10 role. At home do we really need the extra defensive player in Forshaw. Costa himself could even come into the No.10 role or replace Harrison out wide on the left. With all that in mind, is it Costa time?
