Samu Saiz has been one of Thomas Christiansen’s best signings at Leeds this season.
Leeds playmaker Samu Saiz has admitted to Spanish newspaper Marca that he prefers to play in the number 10 role, rather than being played out wide.
The 26-year-old has been used by Whites manager Thomas Christiansen out wide since the Spanish boss reverted to a 4-3-3 system, after first using the former Huesca ace as a number 10 when Leeds adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Last season, Saiz inspired Huesca to promotion from the Segunda division from the secondary striker role, scoring 12 goals as well as laying on nine assists.
Although he has already managed to score eight goals and add three assists in the colours of Leeds this season, Saiz has failed to score once after being played out wide against Brentford, Derby and Sheffield United.
Leeds’ number 21 claimed that he prefers the playmaker role as he sees more of the ball, which is why he has been seen drifting inside from the left flank and then out of position when the Whites lose the ball.
“I’m not a big guy,” Saiz said. “I’m a very cheeky player, I’m not afraid, I always try to do what comes to mind, I’d say I’m very colourful, my game is quite vertical.
“I always look forward on the left wing getting in, with freedom, but I prefer to play as a playmaker: you participate more in the game.”
Saiz’s recent dip in form has coincided with Leeds’ abysmal run of defeats, with the Whites now suffering seven losses in their last eight outings. The only other encounter resulted in a 3-0 win over Bristol City, where Saiz scored a brace.
The former Atletico Madrid ace is expected to start in Leeds’ next outing against Garry Monk’s Middlesbrough on November 19, as the Whites look to get back to winning ways.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
