The new Leeds United boss seems very confident that he can make Samu Saiz even better for the Whites.
Paul Heckingbottom has told The Yorkshire Evening Post that he can “definitely” make Samu Saiz a better player for Leeds United.
The Spanish maestro has been reminding Leeds fans of his quality as of late, having missed six games through suspension after spitting at an opposition player during an FA Cup defeat at Newport in January.
Saiz dazzled in a 35-minute cameo at Derby County on Wednesday, before impressing from the start in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Brentford at Elland Road – Heckingbottom’s first victory as United boss.
The 27-year-old summer signing might well be the Whites’ most gifted technical asset, but the 40-year-old has a few tricks up his sleeve to make the £3.1 million addition a much better all-round player for the Yorkshire side.
He told The Yorkshire Evening Post: “The feedback I give him will be about his work without the ball and his positioning. That’ll be what makes him a better player for the team.
“We try to improve players and I don’t think I can make Samu better on the ball if I’m honest. He’s a terrific talent, really instinctive, but I can definitely make him a better player for the team and that’s what it’s all about.”
Heckingbottom’s confidence in that claim is rather exciting, as is the prospect of Saiz getting even better for Leeds.
At the moment, you have to wonder if United would have endured a nine-match winless streak in the Championship if he was available for most of it, but now that he’s back Heckingbottom will be looking at the top six – but the damage might already be done.
As it stands, Leeds remain 11th in the Championship but the deficit from the playoff spots has been cut to five points, though Bristol City can bring that back to eight points by winning away to Cardiff City today.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
