The Leeds striker looks a different player this term, both in terms of form and fitness.
Leeds United striker Chris Wood has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that it is “hard to put my finger on” what exactly has prompted the remarkable transformation in his fortunes.
Wood scored 13 goals in his debut season for the Whites last term in 37 appearances – not a bad return for a debuting striker, but some way short of the prolific level many had hoped for.
In fairness to the New Zealand international, he was hampered by persistent injury troubles, which did nothing to help his cause upon arrival at Elland Road.
This season, however, the 25-year-old has been a different proposition entirely for opposing defences. With his match-winning brace in the 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, Wood took his season’s total for Leeds to 27 goals in 40 games.
He needs six goals in the remaining eight league games this term to become the first player since Glenn Murray four years ago to hit the 30-goal mark in the Championship.
When asked to account for the dramatic improvement in his form, Wood appeared a little lost for reasons, although he was quick to credit the unwavering faith of manager Garry Monk and his teammates.
Wood told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “A lot of people have asked me what’s changed this season and it’s hard to put my finger on the exact thing.
“The thing I believe I put it down to is having a manager and team – as in the players – who have believed in me. The manager’s backed me 100 per cent and the players have got round me and know what I can do. They’ve seen it in training and they knew I could do it on the Saturday. They’ve backed me completely.
“Having that faith from the manager is huge in football. That’s what you need, that’s what you strive for. If you’ve got the backing of your manager you go so much further.”
Everyone associated with Leeds will be praying that their star man returns from international duty this week unscathed.
His presence in the side has arguably been the difference between a mid-table finish and a genuine promotion push, and will likely continue to be so during the season’s run-in.
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