Marcelo Bielsa has been the star of the show at Elland Road so far this season, but it’s worth noting that the performances of Kemar Roofe have been integral to the growing popularity of the enigmatic Argentine.
Reformed in a new-look centre-forward role, Roofe has endeared himself to the Whites faithful at the spearhead of the attack this season. Boasting a record of seven goals and two assists from eleven Championship appearances, Roofe has provided a potent threat in the final-third which has enhanced the club’s promotion bid, but a recent report from The Sun suggests that Bielsa is plotting a reunion with Fernando Llorente.
The Tottenham Hotspur outcast is out of contract at the end of the season, but the report claims that the Spaniard will be available for £4 million in January.
Bielsa has Tyler Roberts to turn towards in the event that Roofe suffers another injury this season but, unlike the 19-year-old, Llorente would offer a genuine alternative to the first-choice striker.
A natural target-man by trade, Llorente is a commanding physical presence with a proven track record.
Leeds supporters have become accustomed to Bielsa’s attractive brand of possession-based football, but if the club are to achieve promotion this season the Argentine will need to tweak his approach in order to consistently break down his opponents.
With a striker of Llorente’s style to chose from, Bielsa would have a weapon to utilise in games which require a more direct approach, even if that style goes against his managerial instincts.
Llorente (valued at £4.5 million by Transfermarkt) is a born goal scorer with pedigree at the highest reaches of the game, so there is no doubt that he would become a valuable asset in Leeds’ promotion push, scoring goals and using his intricacy to create opportunities for his teammates.
Powerful, clinical and a marked alternative to Roofe, Bielsa would be wise to secure Llorente’s services in January.
Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
