Marcus Antonsson has endured a difficult time since arriving at Leeds United in the summer.
Leeds United’s Marcus Antonsson and Fulham’s Michael Madl in action
Marcus Antonsson seems to already be fighting to salvage his Leeds United career less than a year after arriving at Elland Road. But could taking a similar path to a former Whites striker who fans would have been forgiven for writing off at one stage give the Swede the very best chance of becoming a success with Leeds?
Davide Somma arrived in Yorkshire on a free transfer in 2009, but would have to wait until 2010 before he was able to make a true impact for the club.
During the 2009/10 campaign, Somma would make just one appearance for the Whites and would spend a large majority of the season away on loan.
After a spell at Chesterfield failed to ignite – he made three appearances without scoring – he moved to their League Two rivals Lincoln City, seemingly given one final chance to send a message to the hierarchy back at his parent club.
And he took that opportunity with both hands, scoring nine times in just 14 league games for the Imps to finish the season as the club’s top goalscorer.
With Jermaine Beckford heading to Everton following Leeds’ promotion from the third tier, Simon Grayson needed to find a new strike partner for Luciano Becchio and handed Somma his chance.
Leeds United’s Davide Somma (C) celebrates
Once again, he would repay that faith, scoring 11 times in 29 Championship games as the Whites came desperately close to securing a spot in the top six. And it could certainly be argued that it was only a cruel run of long-term injuries that prevented the forward adding to his tally.
With Chris Wood shining in the current side, and Monk’s 4-2-3-1 system seemingly bringing the best out of most of the team, there seems little chance that Antonsson will get a chance unless the New Zealander sustains an injury.
The 25-year-old has not even made the bench for Leeds’ last four games so it could certainly be argued that his Elland Road career is only going in one direction.
What makes Antonsson’s situation all the more frustrating is that, unlike Somma, he boasts a great record from before his arrival in England, so a loan deal next season may give him his best chance of turning his situation around.
It may see him take a temporary step backwards, but if he can follow in Somma’s footsteps and enjoy a brilliant run of form elsewhere, that step back may help him make several forward in the long-run.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
