Leeds United did enjoy a superb January window – bringing in three top players to solve the three most-outstanding issues in the Leeds squad. But, Leeds made one glaring error and it is the decision not to recall Charlie Cresswell.
Coming into the window, Leeds needed to sort out the left-back situation. They did that with the signing of Max Wober. While he is a centre-back ideally, it lessens the need for Pascal Struijk in the middle – allowing him to play left.
We needed another striker. With Patrick Bamford regularly injured, Rodrigo has been left alone up top. The club spent a club-record fee to sign Georginio Rutter. The last issue was in the middle of the park. Marc Roca’s form is an issue.
Adam Forshaw, like Bamford, has been injured frequently. Archie Gray and Darko Gyabi are still young. Leeds needed better in the middle of the park – signing Weston McKennie. A player that suits Leeds for so many different reasons.
So much so, Clinton Morrison described McKennie as the best signing of the January window. One issue, though, was ignored. An issue that emerged in the final day of the window – a lack of cover on the right side of our centre-backs.
Leeds made one glaring error in January window, not recalling Cresswell
Losing Llorente leaves Leeds light on the right side of the central defence. Germany star Robin Koch has been first choice and rightly so. But behind him, is a lack of cover. Liam Cooper and Max Wober are lefties, as is Pascal Struijk.
With Llorente going, the next-best right-sided centre-back is Luke Ayling. But he is first choice right now, at right-back. Of course, Leeds are able to play two left-footed defenders at centre-back. But balance is lost at the heart of defence.
The Athletic reported on January 10 that a recall clause in Cresswell’s Millwall loan had elapsed, but made it clear the potential to negotiate a recall was possible. Leeds should have recalled £4m-rated Cresswell to provide cover for Koch.
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