Leeds United had a bit of a goalscoring problem at the start of the season. Daniel Farke’s men only managed one goal from open play in their first four league matches.
The lack of goals pushed fans to react after what they felt like was a poor end to the summer window. Leeds failed to sign a big name attacking player despite spending over £100million. But Daniel Farke’s recent changes seem to have worked as the Whites managed to score six goals in the games against Wolves, Spurs and Bournemouth.
There are a lot of positives from this start to the campaign but many have suggested that Leeds will be active in January.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United midfielders?
Leeds United target scores on international duty
One of the names that has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road is Inter Milan’s Piotr Zielinski. The attacking midfielder has been rumoured to leave the Champions League side after lack of playing time this season.
In Poland’s friendly win against New Zealand, Zielinski scored a beauty of a goal. The midfielder’s strike was the only goal of the match as it sealed a win for the European side. The New Zealand commentary on the goal was one of surprise and admiration:
“It’s a lovely turn, a really good drive and it’s the opening goal,” commentator Nathan Alleyne said.
“Sometimes, you have to take your hat off and applaud the quality of a goal. Piotr Zielinski has given Poland the lead with a spectacular drive.”
Do Leeds need a player like Piotr Zielinski?
There are a couple of ways to look at it, but ultimately, do the Whites need someone who can provide a goal threat? Yes. But there is something about the Polish midfielder that sticks out like a sore thumb.
Zielinski Fbref radar
He is a liability on the defensive end; his FBref percentile chart shows he ranks amongst the lowest in Europe’s top five leagues for defensive statistics. Zielinski is among the lowest percentiles for tackles, interceptions and aerials won. In a division like the Premier League, winning duels and second balls are very important. The club’s midfield cannot do with a player who is non-existent behind the ball.
