Javi Gracia has unearthed Leeds United’s long-term replacement for Stuart Dallas

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Stuart Dallas remains on the sidelines and is expected to be out for the rest of the season as he continues to come back from a leg break – and Javi Gracia might have just discovered his long-term replacement is already at Leeds.

Dallas, who turns 32 in April, has not played for Leeds for a year since breaking his leg against Manchester City. He remains on the sidelines and recently targeted Northern Ireland’s June fixtures as the comeback he has in mind.

The ex-Brentford man is renowned for his versatility. Far from the most technically-gifted player in the team, but relentless in terms of work rate – Dallas was a viable option at full-back, on the wing, or in the middle of the park.

But he is about to enter the final year of his deal and at 32, it is unlikely that Dallas will be given a new contract. But every team needs a player like Dallas, a player that can sit on the bench but come in and play in different positions.

Perhaps, if Dallas does end up leaving Leeds at the end of his current deal – maybe, Gracia has found the long-term replacement for the iconic Leeds ace. He used Rasmus Kristensen in the middle of the park on Saturday at Arsenal.

Gracia has discovered long-term replacement for Dallas at Leeds

Kristensen has endured a difficult few months at Leeds. Replaced by Luke Ayling in his natural position of right-back in recent months due to his poor form, he has warmed the bench. Things have looked brighter in the last few weeks.

Coming off the bench against Wolves, he scored. Instantly, he was put back into Denmark’s squad. Then, he started for the first time in the League at Arsenal. But what is interesting, is he is yet to play under Gracia in his natural role.

Starting against Fulham in the FA Cup at centre-back, Kristensen’s two league outings under Gracia have come on the right wing, and in a midfield three. He is showing incredible versatility, unseen before Gracia arrived at Leeds.

So, if Dallas is unable to replicate his previous form next season at Leeds and eventually leaves when his contract comes to an end – Leeds already have a replacement. A replacement in terms of his versatility, in £10m Kristensen.