Leeds United striker Marcus Antonsson has made a promising start to life at Blackburn Rovers.
Marcus Antonsson’s first season for Leeds may have been a struggle for the Swede personally, but many would argue that that was down to the fact that Garry Monk quickly changed to a system that did not suit the striker rather than there being any problems with the quality that he brought to the side.
Therefore, while it was no real surprise that he left Elland Road in the summer, a loan deal undoubtedly made plenty of sense given that it would allow the 26-year-old to get some first-team football, build some confidence and hopefully return to the Whites in the form that convinced the Championship side to sign him for £2 million in 2016 (via Yorkshire Evening Post).
And Antonsson has grasped his chance with League One side Blackburn, scoring three times in eight league appearances which have included six starts.
While the former Kalmar man has impressed, could it be suggested that he may be in for a nasty surprise if he thinks that a continuation of his current form will help him salvage his Leeds career?
If Antonsson continues to boast a strike-rate of a goal every other start then he undoubtedly deserves to come into Thomas Christiansen’s thinking – but whether he will be given that chance remains up for debate.
Leeds were extremely busy in the summer transfer window, and they made a number of additions to their striker ranks with Caleb Ekuban, Jay-Roy Grot, Pawel Cibicki and Pierre-Michel Lasogga all signing.
Of the four, Lasogga has undoubtedly earned the right to be considered the first-choice based on his performances so far, but the fact that the other three have all been signed permanently by the current hierarchy surely suggests that Antonsson – who was signed during Massimo Cellino’s time in charge – faces an extremely tough time trying to force his way into the side.
Christiansen and Victor Orta are bound to want to see the likes of Ekuban, Grot and Cibicki thrive as their spells with the club reflect on how successful their transfer policy has been.
So perhaps Antonsson needs both a sensational spell at Blackburn and a subsequent piece of luck when he returns to Leeds if he hopes to force his way back into the club’s plans.
Of course, Christiansen would not be foolish enough to snub Antonsson if he is scoring goals upon his return while the previously-mentioned trio struggle just to make the current regime look better, but perhaps getting that chance to impress could prove to be the Swede’s toughest battle.
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