Is criticism of Leeds United winger Stuart Dallas justified?

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Has Leeds United winger Stuart Dallas really ‘lost his mojo’?

Leeds’ Stuart Dallas in action with Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum

Leeds United winger Stuart Dallas was involved in a dispute with a supporter last week on social media when his form was called into question.

Dallas responded by saying he would not be losing any sleep over his form being criticised, admitting it was hard to please everybody.

Leeds’ Stuart Dallas celebrates scoring

So looking at Dallas’ form for Leeds this season, is the criticism justified?

It is hard to make a case that Dallas has in any way improved this season at Leeds, with his figures lower on a per game basis in several key areas.

Yet it’s also vital to note that he has played half as many minutes this season as he did in 2015/16.

Dallas has missed time through injury, and also had a delayed start to the campaign due to his Euro 2016 exploits with Northern Ireland which saw him miss Leeds’ pre-season.

Northern Ireland’s Stuart Dallas in action with Belarus’ Sergei Kislyak

With more competition for places, it is no surprise that he has had a less productive season than a year ago. He has made just four starts within the last two months.

This is Dallas’ second season at Leeds after a £1m move from Brentford in August 2015.

Dallas provided an assist in the 3-3 draw with Norwich at the weekend, while his last goal came back in February.

With a full pre-season this summer Leeds fans should be positive that Dallas can get back to his best. Playing regularly will help rather than being in and out of the side, but he also has to earn it.