Leeds United enjoyed a brilliant afternoon on Saturday but it was not as good for Sam Greenwood and Middlesbrough, as Michael Carrick’s side lost to Stoke City – and local media hammered Greenwood.
Stoke came into Saturday’s clash against Boro in good spirits, after beating Leeds 1-0 on Wednesday night. But they faced another Championship juggernaut in the form of Boro, who were in good form.
Two first-half goals from Stoke saw Boro fail to come back. A bit of a surprise result given Boro’s home advantage as Stoke continue to put right a very poor start to the season. Greenwood started on the left.
He has done so in the last few games for Middlesbrough, helping Carrick’s men return to the form that was expected of them at the start of the season. Greenwood was poor. He was taken off on 60 minutes.
Teesside Live gave Greenwood a rating of 5, saying he almost lost his head on Saturday: “An afternoon where it just didn’t come off for him. Subbed off as he risked losing his head when frustrations grew.”
Local media hammer Leeds loanee Sam Greenwood on Saturday
Greenwood is a talent. When he left on loan to join Middlesbrough, there was some sections of the Leeds fanbase that questioned the decision to rubber stamp his exit. The £3m man needs game time.
His form for Boro has been largely good having eventually broken into the side under Carrick. But, he needs Saturday to be a wake-up call – Boro needed it, on the whole. Does he have a future at Leeds?
Without a doubt, but if Leeds gain promotion to the Premier League – Greenwood might not have a look in at Elland Road. It might be that he needs to join a Championship side, to earn the platform to grow.
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