Leeds United reportedly had conerns about Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s attitude – but signed him on loan from Hamburg anyway.
It’s testament to Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s qualities as a striker that, when considering Joachim Low’s forward options ahead of the 2014 World Cup, the Hamburg striker was never too far away from the discussion.
Only two German players, Marco Reus of Dortmund and Leverkusen targetman Stefan Kiessling, scored more Bundesliga goals in 2013/14 than Lasogga’s 13 for a struggling Hamburg side battling at the wrong end of the table.
And his first two games on loan at Leeds United have harked back to Lasogga’s best form after three injury hit seasons in Germany’s top flight that left his reputation, and hopes of a first international cap, in tatters.
The report claims that Leeds had concerns about Lasogga’s attitude. However, when sitting down with the striker and discussing the potential deal, club officials allowed Lasogga to speak for himself and his genuine desire to move to Elland Road left them impressed.
So far, the risk has certainly reaped its rewards. Lasogga scored two clinical goals in a superb 5-0 debut win against Burton Albion on Saturday, inspiring Leeds to their biggest victory since 2004, before setting up Stuart Dallas’ 92nd minute clincher in the midweek clash with Birmingham City.
Lasogga’s excellent start, then, is a credit to Leeds’ new look scouting department and their desire to meet players face-to-face and get a better idea of their personality and whether they would fit in at Elland Road.
Lasogga certainly does.
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