Leeds United are going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment, and while there are a number of reasons for their poor form, their shocking record from set-pieces certainly isn’t helping.
When the ball is on the floor, very few teams can keep up with Leeds’ gung-ho, high-energy style, but from dead-ball situations, the Whites are vulnerable.
Indeed, Leeds have conceded 14 goals from set-pieces this term, the worst tally of any team in the Premier League, and it’s easy to see why.
The Whites don’t have enough of an aerial presence, they rank 14th in the division in terms of aerial duels won per game, and that is proving to be a real problem.
Just look at the second goal they conceded to West Ham earlier this week, Craig Dawson got a free run at goal, and he found it far too easy to nod in from the corner.
Sadly, this has been something of a regular sight for Leeds in recent times, and aerial dominance at the back has been something of a problem since Pontus Jansson’s departure.
The Swede was generally unbeatable in the air, standing at 6 ft 4 and once being described by Liam Rosenior as the Whites’ best header of the ball, Leeds are still missing his influence almost two years on from his departure.
Now, we’re not saying that selling Jansson was a mistake. After all, Leeds went up without him, and he was far too erratic at times to ever really be a success under Bielsa, but they are missing this aspect of his game.
Whether it’s a new centre-back or a midfielder, or even an attacking player, Leeds need someone who can dominate the penalty area from these situations.
14 goals conceded from set-pieces is simply far too many for the Whites, and it’s ultimately cost them points that they haven’t deserved to lose.
Signing a player of this ilk wouldn’t just provide a defensive boost either.
It’s such a great weapon to have, just look at how many points someone like Tomas Soucek has won for West Ham this season by virtue of being one of the most aerially-dominant players on the planet.
Of course, finding a player who is amazing in the air who has the technical acumen and ability to play in Marcelo Bielsa’s system is difficult, but Victor Orta has shown in the past that he can uncover a gem, and this profile of player is certainly what he should be looking for.
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