Noel Whelan names Leeds player that provides element of surprise

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Leeds United have suffered two disappointing losses in a row in the Championship.

Leeds United manager Garry Monk

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds that the Whites are too defensively-minded and suggested that Kemar Roofe is a player who can provide the surprise element that Garry Monk’s men need.

Leeds suffered an incredibly disappointing 2-0 defeat away at Brentford on Tuesday to follow their 1-0 loss to Reading at the weekend, and on both occasions, it could certainly be argued that the scorelines flattered the Yorkshire side with Rob Green shining.

That has led to some suggestions that the Whites have been worked out, and Whelan has certainly not argued that point, suggesting that the recently under-utilised forward should be used more often.

“Leeds have the players to play passing football but they are too defence-minded. Roofe plays the ball out wide, but then gets back into the box – he has that element of surprise to make runs that catch defenders cold,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

Kemar Roofe

“It’s about the second phase of play, too. They reacted well for both goals – but where were the Leeds players? The Leeds midfielders are always outside the box.”

With Leeds boasting a fairly thin squad, Monk has few alternative options to pick from, and at this stage of the campaign, you would imagine he would rather not take a gamble on one of the largely-untested academy starlets.

Pablo Hernandez has the capabilities to make something special happen, and thus, it is not difficult to see why Monk has not decided to drop the Spaniard too often this term.

However, Hernandez has made little impact lately while Roofe has arguably not been given enough of a chance to make an impression, with many of his appearances coming from the bench, while the last time he played 90 minutes coming back in January.

And with the chasing pack now closing in on the Whites, it may perhaps be time for Monk to listen to Whelan’s advice and think about what he can do to catch the opposition off guard.