Leeds United have been urged to consider turning to the Portuguese market in their answer to add more proficiency to their attack after another frustrating display in front of goal from Patrick Bamford.
The Whites, however, are on cloud nine and celebrating a much-needed win after a two-month wait, having recorded a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield. A late winner from Crysencio Summerville – on the eve of his 21st birthday – saw Leeds snatch the most-welcome of three points.
But for Liverpool, it poses more questions about their vulnerability with Graeme Souness explaining why Jurgen Klopp’s prophecy was now coming true.
Indeed, while Leeds had goalkeeper Illan Meslier to thank after a series of excellent saves, the Whites’ winning margin maybe could and should have been greater.
To that end, once-capped England striker Bamford was again guilty of wasting an gilt-edged chance. Bamford, stuck on 99 career goals, is yet to open his account in a injury-ravaged 2022.
And having missed a penalty against Arsenal recently, he has also squandered big openings against Fulham and Crystal Palace recently too.
Clearly lacking in confidence, Bamford also missed another opportunity against Liverpool after a poor miscontrol.
Analying the chance, Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer did not hold back.
“Look at the numbers Leeds are trying to get forward, 4 v 2, Harrison this time, and again, that should be in the back of the net and it was a decent save from Alisson,” said Shearer.
“Again, really good play from Leeds, but one v one at the back following an attack from Liverpool – the same thing again, one pass, this time it’s 3 v 2 against Leeds. I know Liverpool created chances, but so are Leeds.”
Leeds told to turn to Portugal for new centre forward
“It was a good ball in from Aaronson to Summerville, but a better touch (needed) by Bamford. That’s a terrible touch by Bamford. That should be a touch and an effort away at the goal. If it was a better touch, then they are in away at goal again.”
Bamford’s last goal for Leeds came in a 2-2 draw against Brentford last December.
The win at Anfield saw Jesse Marsch’s side pull off the bottom of the table and up to 16th. He argued the club were not getting the results their performances deserved prior to the match at Anfield.
And had Bamford converted some of those openings, the table would surely now look a lot better for Leeds.
As such, Zach Lowery, the co-creator of Breaking the Lines, has advised Leeds to turn to Portugal in their search for new goals.
Suggesting four strikers the club could turn to, he suggests Vitinha, Simon Banza, Fran Navarro and Aziz as possible options for the Whites.
Two of his suggestions currently ply their trade at Braga with Vitinha and Banza both enjoying excellent seasons.
Portugal U21 star Vitinha – full name Vítor Manuel Carvalho Oliveira – is a strong centre forward. He boasts eight goals in 15 games so far this season.
Boasting good mobility and positional strength, he also has four goals in five appearances for his national U21 side.
Banza, too, is also doing well this season. He has a £25.7m (€30m) exit clause in his deal, having signed over the summer. He has five goals in 10 games already, having been named Portugal’s Player of the Month for August.
Leeds need more goals
Former Valencia man Navarro, meanwhile, is enjoying an excellent run of form since signing for Gil Vicente in 2021. The 24-year-old has 19 goals in 38 games for the Portuguese side.
The final option suggested is Ghanaian star Abdul-Aziz Yakubu, who plays for Rio Ave. He has three goals in four appearances so far this season.
Either way, there is a growing feeling that Leeds do need to address their prolificacy come January.
The Whites appear to be doing many things right at present, but – Liverpool win aside – are just being let down by a lack of end product. If they can find a solution to that, Marsch’s side could soon find themselves climbing the table.
For many a window now, their supporters have been crying out for a new striker signing. And while Rodrigo finally looks to be finding his form with his six goals in 10 games this season, there is a belief that they still need another option.
The Whites may also look to the free transfer market, too, with this list of the 20 best soon-to-be out-of-contract stars.
Leeds face Bournemouth in their next game at Elland Road and will hope to build on their win at Anfield.
