Lewis Baker’s loan spell at Leeds has not gone to plan. The midfielder was Marcelo Bielsa’s first signing in the summer, but has made just one Championship start so far.
The midfielder has been a much more regular fixture in the under-23s. But unfortunately, he has not always made the most of the chances he has received for Carlos Corberan’s side either.
However on Tuesday, he was involved as Leeds’ youngsters thrashed Burnley 6-3 in a performance that just hints that writing him off may be premature.
It was one of Baker’s most encouraging displays yet. And it may well be no coincidence that it has come in a game that involved the previously-injured pair Patrick Bamford and Izzy Brown.
Baker linked up superbly at times with Bamford and Brown. Both Baker and Brown remain on Chelsea’s books, while Bamford also came through the ranks with the pair.
And it seemed to show against the Clarets. The understanding between the three men was there as Leeds went through the gears in the second-half. They scored five times after the break with Bamford bagging a hat-trick.
It is a performance that would have done Baker’s confidence the world of good. And it seems to be a display that has left many Leeds supporters feeling much more optimistic about the summer signing’s chances of succeeding at Elland Road.
Bamford and Brown have given Bielsa plenty to think about heading into the Christmas period. And if the pair get their chance in the coming weeks and Baker follows them into the side, it should surprise no-one if he starts to turn his fortunes around after such a fine display in Tuesday’s win.