Leeds have made ‘huge’ blunder after what I’ve seen from James – pundit
Alan Hutton has insisted Leeds United made a “huge mistake” not signing another striker after watching Dan James lead the line against Newcastle United.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the Whites have struggled to cope with Patrick Bamford’s absence.
Leeds lost 1-0 against Newcastle on Saturday despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities in the final third.
With Bamford ruled out due to a foot injury, Bielsa started James in a makeshift centre-forward role.
Hutton admitted the decision not to strengthen up front in recent windows has come back to bite Leeds.
“It looks a huge mistake,” Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“We’ve spoke about it for a long time, that reliance on Bamford. He’s been injured for such a long time. They’ve tried different things, Daniel James up front for example.
“He’s a winger, he’s never been prolific or anything. It’s always going to be difficult for him to play that role even though he’s got the pace.
“I just think they need to they need a striker. They need somebody who can come in and help take that load off Bamford.
“They just don’t seem to be doing it. Obviously, Bielsa feels they’re okay the way they are but by looking at them, we know different.”
Bamford has suffered a catalogue of injury problems this season.
He has played just six times in the Premier League this season.
Jack Harrison, Tyler Roberts, Joe Gelhardt and Rodrigo Moreno have all played as a centre-forward in his absence.
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