Stuart Dallas has been out of favour all season and endured a disappointing final day performance for Leeds United against Wigan Athletic.
That hugely impressive 3-0 battering of Preston North End in early April was supposed to kick-start Leeds United’s play-off hopes. As it transpired, however, it was nothing more than a false dawn.
Five winless games followed, destroying their promotion ambitions. And, somewhat typically, an inadequate end to the season was brought to its merciful conclusion by a turgid 1-1 draw with already relegated Wigan Athletic.
It was another performance characterised by a lack of cutting edge. Pablo Hernandez was once again well below par and, from 17 efforts on goal, Leeds hit the target with just three. Their only goal, scored by who else but Chris Wood, came from the penalty spot.
However, if there’s one player who summed up Leeds’ lack of cutting edge, it was Stuart Dallas. The Northern Irishman was all but non-existent on the left-flank, eventually hooked by Garry Monk with 20 minutes to go after failing to create a single chance against a Wigan defence who have conceded goals for fun this season.
This was not the first time Leeds United supporters have vented their frustration at the 26-year-old on various forms of social media. Dallas has started just 20 of the club’s Championship games with his displays often amounting to plenty of perspiration yet next to no inspiration.
The fact that Monk has turned Dallas from an almost ever-present to a bit-part player, plus bringing in three fellow wingers on loan this season, speaks volumes.
In 33 games, he was produced two goals and three assists. While Hadi Sacko, Alfonso Pedraza and Souleymane Doukara have their critics, at least fans are in no doubt as to what they bring to the side in an attacking sense.
Dallas, meanwhile, may just have played his last game under Garry Monk.
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