Noel Whelan says Leeds United star Samuel Saiz buying into hard work

Follow us on Google Discover

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United won against Rotherham United at Elland Road in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds that Leeds United star Samuel Saiz is working hard for the team this season.

Saiz, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a forward, is one of the most creative players in the Championship.

The 27-year-old scored five goals and provided seven assists in 28 Championship starts for Leeds during the 2017-18 campaign, according to WhoScored.

So far this season, the Spaniard has provided one assist in three Championship appearances for the West Yorkshire outfit, according to WhoScored.

Former Leeds striker Whelan was impressed with the performance of Saiz against Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon.

The attacker started the Championship match at Elland Road and played for 80 minutes, as the Whites won 2-0.

Whelan told BBC Radio Leeds after the match about Saiz: “I thought in patches the Samuel Saiz we expect – very creative, getting on the ball, always looking to try and make things happen. He is a special player, but what I like about him is he is buying into the hard work as well.”

“He is working hard to get back in and do his defensive duties,” added Whelan.

Quality footballer

Saiz joined Leeds from Huesca in the summer of 2017 for a transfer fee reported by The Yorkshire Evening Post to be worth £3 million.

The Spaniard will be a key player for the Whites this season, as Bielsa’s side aim to finish in the top six of the Championship.