Leeds United need more from two of their summer signings.
Sixth in the Championship after 16 games, it is fair to say that Leeds United have had a decent season so far.
Manager Garry Monk brought some 12 players to Elland Road during the summer, but it is two loan signings in Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley who have arguably had the biggest impact on where Leeds find themselves in the table.
In contrast, Kemar Roofe and Marcus Antonsson, who cost the Whites a combined £5 million, need to start improving over the coming weeks and months to maximise United’s hopes of finishing in the playoff spots.
At £3 million (say BBC Sport), Roofe, who has been used mainly on the wing, was Monk’s most expensive signing during the summer, but one assist in 15 Championship appearances, equating to 630 minutes, represents a very poor return for the money so far.
Likewise, Antonsson, a summer signing from Kalmar, has netted once in 525 minutes of Championship football – or 8.75 hours – and more is definitely needed.
Fans of the Yorkshire outfit have taken to the Swedish striker because of his effort and application, but if you’re in the business of scoring goals, and £2 million (figures according to The YEP) was spent on you, then effort only goes so far.
It is worth noting that he is still new to English football, and he has had to settle for cameo appearances due to Chris Wood’s red-hot form, but he seems to have been leapfrogged by Souleymane Doukara in the pecking order and there is no sign of his fortunes being improved.
Although Roofe could argue that he is not being played in his preferred position, the 23-year-old, who has started United’s last five games, has been getting chances, but they have been completely passing him by for the most part.
They should both be thankful that Leeds are bang in form, because if Monk’s side were struggling then a brighter spotlight would be on them and their performances, adding to the pressure of needing to justify some relatively big transfer fees.
But they can’t hide behind the team’s form forever.
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