Leeds United arguably needed more goals from midfield this season, so perhaps a move for one of the Championship’s most impressive players this term would be wise.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
When Garry Monk considers what prevented Leeds from taking that final step and securing a Championship play-off spot this season, one of the conclusions he may come to was the lack of goals from midfield.
Pablo Hernandez and Souleymane Doukara both scored six league goals each while Kemar Roofe contributed three. Meanwhile, the central midfield quartet of Liam Bridcutt, Eunan O’Kane, Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira scored just two between them, and none after Vieira’s stunning winner against Norwich back in November.
Leeds not adding a goalscoring midfielder to their ranks could be a major mistake as they will then surely be relying on Chris Wood to enjoy another sensational season if they hope to stand any chance of battling near the summit.
One player who should surely be on their radar is Burton Albion talisman Jackson Irvine. The 24-year-old was sensational for a Brewers side that defied most people’s expectations by staying up, leading their goalscoring charts with 10 goals to his name.
Irvine offers a versatility that would allow him to play in the central attacking midfield role or alongside one of the holding options, looking to make exciting runs from deep, if Monk keeps the faith with his 4-2-3-1 system.
Burton’s Jackson Irvine finished as the team’s top goalscorer
And with all due respect to Burton – Nigel Clough undoubtedly has a claim to be considered the manager of the year for the job he and his players have done – the Australian would be forgiven for thinking that a switch to Elland Road is a move in the right direction for his career.
It would hardly be a surprise if there are plenty of offers for the midfielder this summer, but with Leeds coming so close to securing a play-off spot this season, now is the time for the Whites to rival others for the brightest talents available, and Irvine undoubtedly fits the bill.
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