A round-up of the latest Leeds United news, with updates from Elland Road on Marc Roca, Jamie Shackleton, Georgino Rutter and Brendan Aaronson.
Leeds loanee Marc Roca struggling at Real Betis
Marc Roca left Leeds in the summer transfer window and headed to Real Betis on a loan move. It looked like he wanted the move from the moment Leeds were relegated from the Premier League. Despite wanting to stay in the top flight, it looks like he is struggling to play at such a high level.
Spanish journalist Carlos Freytas Palomo believes Roca has struggled in La Liga. Apparently the midfielder’s performances have not been up to the level required.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Palomo said: “Marc plays better in the pivot, but not next to Guido [Rodríguez]. He is always a good defensive aid in duels, but against opponents with speed he is left far behind.
“He is the best we have in midfield – Guido is having terrible games. But he still hasn’t found someone to coordinate the midfield with. Betis does not create chances because he does not distribute the ball like an organising midfielder.
“He serves as a pivot, but he is not 100 per cent in every game, he disconnects and gets lost, that’s why they change him for [William] Carvalho. Most likely, when the Portuguese is at 100 per cent, [Roca] will be a substitute.”
Pundit puts Georginio Rutter in his Team of the Season so far
Pundit David Purtton has piled the praise on Leeds attacker Georginio Rutter, whilst also highlighting where he could improve as he placed Rutter in his Championship team of the season so far.
French forward Rutter only has two goals and three assists in his 10 Championship appearances so far, but it has been other elements of his game which has seen him receive praise.
Speaking about Rutter on Sky Sports, Prutton said: “Hefty price tag, took a while to find his feet. There is a little bit of debate as to where he plays with the fact that Piroe is there, but his workrate is something Daniel Farke is very happy about.
“Two goals three assists, creates goal scoring chances. Needs to be more clinical, not just because of how much he cost but the chances that he’s being afforded for Leeds United.”
If Rutter starts becoming more clinical then Leeds could have one of the best players in the division on their hands.
Jamie Shackleton would love to sign Leeds contract extension
Recent reports from the Yorkshire Evening Post have shared that Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton wants to sign a contract extension with the club as soon as possible. Apparently, the player would ‘love nothing more’ than to sign a new deal.
Shackleton’s contract currently expires in June 2024 and he is now fighting to make sure it can be extended before he becomes a free agent next summer.
This season, the 24-year-old has featured in seven Championship games, starting in six. He is clearly currently seen as a key player and if he continues to feature a lot then we could definitely see Leeds offer him a new deal. Daniel Farke has come out and called the player ‘underrated‘ and also stated that he loves Shackleton.
The player, who came from Leeds’ academy, is clearly in love with the club and wants to fight for his place. If they do get promoted or strengthen in midfield then he could possible fall down the pecking order. It is a huge season for Shackleton.
Brendan Aaronson slated by German journalist
Brenden Aaronson has been loaned out this season by Leeds. He is currently playing in the Bundesliga for Union Berlin but life in Germany has not gone well for him so far. Leeds Live spoke to Paul Gorgas, and the German journalist slated Brenden Aaronson.
Speaking to Leeds Live about the attacker, Gorgas said: “He lacks a physical quality, the strong physical appearance you need, especially in the Bundesliga because it’s quite a strong and physical league. You get the impression that he’s not up at that level.
“He was sent off in the second match of the season against Darmstadt, which wasn’t really clever. It was a stupid first yellow card for kicking the ball away. The other yellow card wasn’t too clever.”
The player left Leeds in search of top-flight football but it looks like he needs to be performing a lot better if he wants to continue playing at a high level.
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