Three reasons why Leeds must sign this 25-year-old rock in January
COMMENT By Will Butcher
Kyle Bartley has started life at Elland Road with aplomb as he continues to inspire Leeds’ promotion charge.
The 25-year-old defensive rock, who is currently on loan from Premier League outfit Swansea, has starred at the back alongside fan favourite Pontus Jansson as the Yorkshire giants have surged to fourth place.
Wearing the captain’s armband, Bartley has been arguably Leeds’ unsung hero this season and here are three reasons why he must be signed on a permanent deal in January.
Brings the best out in Jansson
Partnering each other at the heart of the Leeds defence, Bartley continues to compliment his fellow loanee as Garry Monk looks to mould a hermetic back four.
Bartley’s combative nature allows him to win the ball back by marking an opposing side’s striker, while Jansson’s ability and composure on the ball at the back allows him to tidy up.
With three clean sheets in their last five league games together, both must be brought in on a permanent basis.
Leadership
As club captain Liam Bridcutt continues to recover from a broken foot that was sustained back in September, Bartley has stepped up to wear the armband for the Yorkshire giants.
His commanding performances at the back have inspired his performances, as he seems to be driven on with the added pressure of being seen as a role model by his teammates.
The former Birmingham and Rangers star’s willingness to put his body on the line embodies what a perfect captain should offer, and therefore must be bought at the first available opportunity.
Swansea’s top-flight struggle
As Bob Bradley’s side continue to fight against relegation in the Premier League, in-form defender Bartley could be looked at as the man to save the Swans from relegation.
With inexperienced Alfie Mawson, new signing Mike van der Hoorn and Jordi Amat as Bradley’s centre-back options, Bartley could be brought back in to block the leak at the Liberty Stadium.
Leeds must act quickly in order to prevent this, as Bartley continues to shine.
In other Leeds news, this summer signing has been Monk’s best.