Monk delivers verdict on Leeds deadline day signings after freeze-out
By Alex Stevens
Garry Monk has insisted that attacking duo Modou Barrow and Alfonso Pedraza will get chances to shine in the Leeds team.
The January signings have struggled to force their way into Monk's starting XI since their deadline day arrivals at Elland Road on loan for the remainder of the season.
Both wingers were unused substitutes in Saturday's 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday as Monk went with the tried and trusted for the pivotal clash against derby and promotion rivals.
Souleymane Doukara started on the left flank and Hadi Sacko on the right, with Stuart Dallas and Kemar Roofe the players brought off the bench as second-half attacking replacements.
Leeds now have five first-team wingers competing for two places and Monk says the new boys should not be concerned about their Saturday freeze-out as they have have added much-needed strength in depth to the squad as a whole.
“They weren’t coming into a team that was in trouble,” said Monk to the Yorkshire Evening Post, asked about the duo’s impact and opportunities so far. “They were coming into a team and a group of players that were doing very well and competing extremely well.
“Our aim in that window was to help strengthen that group that was already doing very well and those two have come in and added quality and that strength that we need.
"They are working incredibly well, they have already played minutes on the pitch and I am sure in the future games they are going to continue like the others. “They are very much doing well and improving and settling in extremely well so no problems from that side of it.”
Barrow, who was a regular in the Swansea team in the early months of the season, has made just three substitute appearances since moving to Leeds.
Pedraza has also found it difficult to get opportunities, making one start and one appearances as a sub since cutting short his season-long loan at Spanish second-tier side Lugo to make the move from parent club Villarreal.
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