HITC Sport takes a look at the huge transformation undertaken by Chris Wood under new Leeds United boss, Garry Monk.
Before the arrival of Garry Monk, Chris Wood was becoming something of a frustration amongst Leeds United supporters. The big New Zealander, who joined the club from Leicester City in 2015, was struggling for goals, and looked out of place under the long succession of Leeds United managers who came and went over the course of the 15/16 Championship season.
However, former Swansea boss Garry Monk, who has transformed his Leeds United this season, appears to have injected new life into the 25-year-old striker, who has managed 14 league goals so far in 2016/17.
Leeds United’s Chris Wood
But just how much has Chris Wood changed under Garry Monk? What’s different about his game now? And how has Monk managed to get the big man firing?
From 35 league appearances last season, Wood scored a total of 12 league goals: not great, but not bad. What’s more, is that Wood was often moved around up top. Sometimes being forced to play as a two, other times as the long striker, and others as an impact substitute. His football time was, at best, inconsistent.
This has already changed under Monk, who has played Wood in 25 of their 26 league outings – all of which as the lone front man.
Leeds United’s Chris Wood
Wood’s shooting accuracy has also improved greatly under Monk. Last season, Wood only hit 39% of his shots on target over the season, according to Squawka. However, this season Wood has an improved 51% on target. Clearly Monk has been working on the Kiwi’s accuracy in training.
Leeds United’s Chris Wood
Wood’s creative abilities also appear to be improving. From 35 appearances last season, Wood created 39 chances for his team mates from open play, and so far under Monk, the New Zealand forward has already created 23 chances from 25 appearances, meaning Wood is well on course to top his chance tally from last season.
Leeds’ Chris Wood
Finally, there’s the clear change that can’t really be shown in statistics: confidence. At his worst last season, Chris Wood looked uninterested and dilapidated up top, often lacking vigour and desire. But under Monk this season, the big New Zealander has transformed into the Championship’s Diego Costa, muscling defenders out the way with ease and beating anyone in the air.
With this new and improved Chris Wood up top, Leeds United are looking like a real threat to the top two at the moment, and aren’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Leeds United’s Chris Wood
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