Leeds United signed some superb defenders this season but their creative options are few and far between.
With Leeds United’s season over earlier than they had previously envisaged, fans can now analyse what went wrong in their pursuit of a top-six finish.
One area to question is manager Garry Monk’s transfer activity, with the former Swansea City boss having a somewhat contradictory record at Elland Road.
For every Pontus Jansson there has been a Matt Grimes, for every Kyle Bartley, a Mo Barrow. But is there a simple reason for Leeds’ hit-and-miss signings this season?
After all, Monk spent his playing career as a centre-back, so he knows what it takes to excel in that area.
He signed Jansson and Bartley and watched them flourish, while Luke Ayling has been outstanding on the right.
In contrast, Leeds’ options further up the field have been average at best. Only Pablo Hernandez has made any real impact – and that has been sporadic at best.
Leeds were over reliant on Chris Wood for their goals this season. No other striker came close to matching his return while the midfield was practically non-existent in a creative sense.
There is no doubt Monk can spot a defender, but he needs to get a lot better at finding creative catalysts and goal-scorers if Leeds are to go one better and finish in the top six next season.
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