Leeds Exclusive: Michael Brown wowed by Augustin’s physical transformation
Michael Brown has tipped a transformed Jean-Kevin Augustin to make an impact for Leeds United when the Championship resumes.
The former White and Spurs midfielder, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, expects the 22-year-old to have overcome his fitness issues during the break ready to contribute in the promotion push.
Augustin has mustered a mere three substitute appearances since arriving on loan from RB Leipzig in January having struggled with hamstring and fitness issues.
The club released footage of the striker working out last week and it showed a visible transformation from the player that stepped off a flight at Leeds-Bradford airport earlier this year.
Angus Kinnear, the club’s managing director, excited fans when he claimed Augustin “will have a critical part to play in the run-in” in the Yorkshire Evening Post.
When asked by Football Insider if the former France under-21 international will be handed an opportunity given the form of Patrick Bamford and Tyler Roberts, Brown said: “Augustin started off slowly because he was not 100% fitness-wise but hopefully with this break he can get a lot sharper and a lot fitter – he certainly looks it – and contribute and start pushing for a first-team place.
“That is what Leeds United would want, a healthy squad in top condition. All of the players pushing each other and driving them over the line to promotion.
“But it is hard to change when you have done so well. They are top of the league so I have full faith in why Bielsa would not change it.”
Football Insider has been told that Leeds are confident Augustin will be a matchwinner when the season resumes amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
Talks are ongoing behind the scenes about when the Championship can return, with the EFL hopeful of a mid-June restart.
In other Leeds United news, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider club must make moves to replace Pablo Hernandez this summer.