Last night I went through the goalkeepers and defence and it wasn’t pretty, players will be leaving this season but as we now know they will have a tour to help decide their future, the post-season trip to Myanmar announced by the club today. Next I go through the midfield and look at the options, who’s worth keeping and who needs to go.
Midfield
Ronaldo Vieira – Under Heckingbottom he has got back to the Vieira we know and so desperately need but the problem is so many are off the boil around him. Such an important player to our future and the spine of our team, alongside Forshaw they could form a wonderful partnership, unfortunately they haven’t had much time to play together yet. Verdict – Must Keep.
Adam Forshaw – I remember when Forshaw signed and I was delighted, may said he wouldn’t be good enough because he wasn’t getting a game at Boro. It took about twenty minutes for people to realise how good he was, and he’s arguably our best player now. Build the team around players like this. Verdict – Must Keep.
Pablo Hernandez – I’m almost certain that Hernandez will now leave, Birmingham are interested and have more money as well as Garry Monk. Maybe he’ll stay, I would love him to but the longer time goes on the less likely it becomes and the club only have themselves to blame after leaving it so late. Same story different owner. Verdict – Keep If Possible.
Stuart Dallas – I feel guilty when I criticise Dallas because he’s as honest and hardworking as they come but quite simply he can’t take us to the next level. It tells the story that he’s been playing at right and left-back recently. We need creative players and Dallas has managed one assist this season, that tells you all you need to know. A squad player at best probably. Great to have around the place. Verdict – Squad Player, Sell If Decent Bid Comes In
Gjanni Alioksi – For a first season in England he has made a mark. So frustrating at times because there are some glaringly obvious weaknesses to his game, one being the fact he’s extremely weak physically. The other is his end product, his crossing is shocking and he could have double the goals he currently has if he was more confident in front of goal. Definitely worth keeping around, but must improve. Verdict – Keep.
Pawel Cibicki – Hasn’t had many chances but after a couple of good games he really sank in the next few, simply not good enough in my eyes. Verdict – Sell.
Eunan O’Kane – Started the season on fire and one of the favourites to get the captaincy but fell apart and has never recovered, he doesn’t seem to have the mentality and it’s hard to put your finger on why. He has a huge summer ahead of him but for me we need better. Verdict – Sell.
Kalvin Phillips – The most debated player at Leeds United in the last couple of years, people either rate him highly or not at all. I think there is a player in there somewhere but we don’t see it anywhere near enough and with him in the side we won’t progress. Another that needs a big summer. Verdict – Sell.
Mateusz Klich – For me he needs a run in the team to really see what he’s all about. Uturecht are a good team and he has improved them, he can kick on at Leeds if given the chance, I just hope what’s happened doesn’t mean his career is over, Christiansen has gone and they were the issue, not Heckingbottom. Verdict – Keep.
Hadi Sacko – Nice guy, needs to go. Verdict – Sell.
Samu Saiz – He winds me up, frustrates me and then amazes me, not so much the latter recently but without doubt our most prized asset. I’ve even said “sell him” a few times during games but i really don’t mean it. Verdict – Must Keep.
Yosuke Ideguchi – Verdict – *Scratches Head.
