Three reasons why this international can fire Leeds to win v Villa if he gets Monk nod
By Will Butcher
Stuart Dallas will fire Leeds to three points against Aston Villa on Saturday if he is handed a starting berth by manager Garry Monk.
The Northern Ireland international looked sharp against Liverpool in the EFL Cup quarter-final loss on Tuesday, before being replaced on the hour mark as Leeds lost 2-0.
With that still fresh in Monk’s mind, here are three reasons why the 25-year-old should be handed a start against Steve Bruce’s in-form side.
Crossing ability
With Hadi Sacko, Souleymane Doukara or Kemar Roofe on the flanks, Leeds have looked to shoot from distance as the attacking trio’s mindset is to find the net themselves.
Top scorer Chris Wood has picked up the pieces from close range with 12 goals this season, but a player that can provide a dangerous delivery will see the in-form New Zealand international look far more dangerous.
Former Brentford star Dallas offers that quality, with the knowledge that supplying target man Wood with an inch-perfect cross is more likely to see Leeds strike.
Sacko struggles to make mark
Despite dazzling fans with a huge amount of pace, Sacko has struggled to provide a cutting edge at Leeds after scoring just one goal in 21 league and cup appearances.
His lack of composure was evident on Tuesday night, as he scuffed a one-on-one chance that would have seen Leeds take the lead against Premier League high flyers Liverpool.
Although not known for his goalscoring prowess, Dallas can provide a stronger goal threat by supplying Wood who is more than likely to find the net if given half a chance at the moment.
Roofe needs to move into the number 10 role
With Pablo Hernandez still sidelined, Roofe moving directly behind Wood would open up a slot on the right flank if Sacko is overlooked.
That will mean Dallas, who provided seven assists last term as well as five goals of his own, could fill the void on the right.
Summer signing Roofe excelled in the number 10 role against Liverpool, and was unlucky not to break his Leeds duck as he struck the post from distance.
In other Leeds news, this is Monk’s priority signing in the January window.