Jermaine Beckford says Leeds have a really ‘clever’ player, needs to show consistency

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Jermaine Beckford has told LUTV’s pre-match programme ahead of Leeds United’s 2-1 win over Shrewsbury that Ian Poveda is a “clever” player but the winger needs to start showing “consistency” – needing game time to do that.

Poveda, 23, has spent the last two seasons out on loan away from Leeds. Blackburn in 2021-22, but he suffered a broken leg and then, having recovered, he went to Blackpool. He managed just 36 appearances in those two years.

The ex-Manchester City man, though, starred during pre-season. Excellent against Nottingham Forest, the winger scored the second of our two goals in a 2-0 win. At Hearts, he should have had an assist. A sub against Cardiff.

On Wednesday night, Poveda started. Leeds went behind, but it was Poveda’s shot that saw the goalkeeper deflect the ball into Joe Gelhardt – who netted his third senior Leeds goal. Pascal Struijk scored the winner, to win 2-1.

Speaking before the game, Beckford says he has been really impressed with Poveda during pre-season. He said Poveda is “clever” and “nimble” when it comes to dribbling past players, but he needs to start showing consistency.

“I like it,” Beckford said, when asked what he thought about Poveda’s surprise return to the side. “He looks like he’s come back for pre-season determined, ready to knuckle down, really focused. We know he’s clever, neat and tidy.

“Nimble when dribbling in and out of defenders. But consistency is what we’re looking for from Poveda. That will only come with minutes. If he gets minutes, stays injury free, then we will have a really good player,” Beckford said.

Beckford says Poveda is clever but needs to start showing consistency

He is right. Poveda has caught the attention of Daniel Farke and fans with his performances since the German was installed as boss. He looks hungrier, he looks sharper and he has certainly put some weight on – in a good way.

Whether or not he can continue this upward spike, and perhaps, break into the Leeds side over the next few weeks remains to be seen. Willy Gnonto’s refusal to play against Shrewsbury is perhaps a boost for the Leeds winger.