Leeds United have the chance to unearth next Crysencio Summerville to fix striker problem
The fact that just one Leeds United player has managed to reach double digits for goals this season is both a blessing and a source of worry.
The Whites have had 14 different scorers this term but only Joel Piroe has surpassed the milestone of 10. Borja Sainz of Norwich tops the Championship list with 15 strikes, which is more than Piroe, Mateo Joseph, Patrick Bamford and the now-loaned Joe Gelhardt combined.
Fortunately for Leeds, Sainz will be punished for when the Canaries come over to Elland Road on Wednesday after admitting to spitting at Sunderland’s Chris Mepham last month.
Norwich are largely dependant on their top attacker for goals, considering he has struck 12 more goals than any teammate, which will alarm Canaries supporters.
United are in a much better situation with Brenden Aaronson just three goals behind Piroe – but there are similar worries regarding offensive potency should the latter go sidelined for a period of time.
On Saturday, Leeds supporters were exposed the realities they face if he remains out. Joseph, albeit hard-working, lacked lethalness in his offensive play against stout Harrogate Town defenders.
His greatest attempt of the game came when he hit the post from outside of the box.
The 21-year-old is not in a position to have pressure heaped on him at this level in his career, which is backed up by the fact he has not scored since mid-October.
Bamford is sidelined till the end of January but he has not started a league game all season and has played less than Joseph.
United’s other offensive players are, scoring-wise, performing good but not outstanding. Daniel James is the second greatest scorer after Aaronson with six goals in 20 league appearances, however he has created one more assist than his American teammate (three versus two).
Wilfried Gnonto has even more assists in all competitions having tallied five so far – the same number as Manor Solomon – but both have only scored four goals apiece in a combined 45 Championship appearances.
Largie Ramazani has been more productive with three league goals in less than 600 Championship field minutes over 15 appearances. Yet few would envision him as a long-term starter just yet.
The goal load in any particular match cannot only rest on the lone striker, and wide players must perform their share.
While all have been impressive and exciting for the level, none of Gnonto, Solomon and James have yet demonstrated to be genuinely ‘undroppable’.
Perhaps it indicates to the deep depth inside the group, but although the assists are there – and are a very essential part of their game – it is goals that will truly stamp their dominance on Farke’s plans and United’s promotion quest.
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