Eddie Gray says it’s time for Leeds to bring Ronaldo Vieira back

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Ronaldo Vieira has barely featured for Leeds United this season, making just a handful of Championship appearances for the Whites.

In comments reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Eddie Gray has suggested that Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen needs to consider using three central midfielders at times, and thus, it is time to bring Ronaldo Vieira back into the fold.

Vieira went into this season with many fans considering him to be a key player for the Whites, and his importance to the club was arguably confirmed by Andrea Radrizzani making extending his contract the first piece of business he dealt with after taking full control at Elland Road.

However, it has been a frustrating time for the 19-year-old, with just three substitute appearances to speak of in the Championship, while his only starts have come in the League Cup.

But with Leeds going into this weekend’s clash with Bristol City having lost their last three, and four of their last five in the league, Gray is adamant that Vieira needs to feature more often.

“For me it comes down how well the players are dominating games. We’re not overpowering teams in the midfield and I think Thomas might have to have a rethink now,” he said, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“Personally, I think there are times when we need three in the middle of the park – another body to make sure that if it is a battle, we can win it. It’s that extra bit of strength and insurance and in my opinion, that means playing (Ronaldo) Vieira.”

With Vieira enjoying a busy summer with England’s under-20s at the Toulon Tournament, it was perhaps not a surprise that Christiansen took a cautious approach during the early weeks of the season – especially with Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips starting the campaign brilliantly.

However, with the side’s form dipping significantly in recent weeks, and with neither O’Kane or Phillips really shining in that time either, there no longer appears to be a reason why Christiansen should not hand Vieira more game-time if he is fully fit.