What does he have to do to get a game? Leeds fans baffled at treatment of frozen-out 28-yr-old

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

22 Feb 2018, 8:14 am

By Richard Parks

Leeds United fans have taken to Twitter to express their surprise that Vurnon Anita was once again frozen out of the team for last night's (Wednesday) Championship clash against Derby County. The versatile Dutchman, 28, was axed not only from the team but also the matchday 18 after starting last Sunday's 2-2 draw against Bristol City. Anita's omission left United supporters scratching their heads as they pointed out what has been a trend this season under both new manager Paul Heckingbottom and his predecessor Thomas Christiansen. Holland international Anita has made just 17 appearances for Leeds this season, starting just 10 of the team's 33 league fixtures despite being fully fit all season. It comes after he was hailed as a key signing last summer after arriving on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Newcastle United, who he had helped inspire to promotion last season. United fans are baffled at the treatment of such a versatile operator, who can play in central midfield and both full-back positions. Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:

Honestly, we've done Anita harshly all season. His influence on Sunday was really good, and we haven't even given him a single go at DM? And we leave him out entirely again? Feel for the guy. #LUFC
— Jibber Jabber (@EthanFromOnline) February 21, 2018

Thought Anita looked steady on Sunday and is composed when getting into attacking positions, like Berardi, but Anita should be starting. #LUFC
— FocusOnLeeds (@FocusOnLeeds) February 21, 2018

I feel Anita is unlucky after his performance at the weekend
— Chancer 💛💙 (@thechancer514) February 21, 2018

Cooper shouldn't have been brought back into the team yesterday he's a liability. Pennington isn't the best but he's young and I think offers more than Cooper. Anita deserved another game as he gets us a bit more of an attack on the right with Dallas being slow #lufc
— Ants (@AntsTheGamer) February 22, 2018

Yet anita gets benched constantly.... 😐😐😐#lufc https://t.co/dbAZryvkYi
— Pricey$ (@Priceyleeds88) February 21, 2018

Soo why did we drop Anita? I love Berrardi as much as the next guy but Anita deserves it after the weekend #lufc
— Ants (@AntsTheGamer) February 21, 2018

I love Berardi but he shouldn't be playing over Anita here #lufc
— Nick (@nickc80196) February 21, 2018

Anita must feel hard done by. #lufc
— Deluded Fool (@DarranPaul) February 21, 2018

In other Leeds United team news, 'Sign him up', 'Get the deal done' - fans are absolutely blown away by attacker's Leeds transfer confession.
Don’t miss out on breaking and exclusive Leeds news by clicking here for our brilliant 24/7 updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Leeds United

Vurnon Anita