Villarreal manager Marcelino has defended Ben Brereton Diaz with the Chilean yet to score his first goal for the La Liga club since joining – amid reports Leeds United could make a move in January.
Brereton Diaz, 24, left Blackburn on a free in the summer. The club Leeds take on away from home on Saturday. It comes after having a hand in 63 goals during 177 games. He has also sparkled for Chile.
But at Villarreal, he is struggling. He has played 16 times this season, but has only started six times for the La Liga outfit. While his game time has been lacking, Brereton Diaz is yet to score his first goal.
On Sunday, he thought he had scored the winner on 95 minutes to down Sevilla 2-1 away from home. But, the striker’s goal was ruled out, for a foul. It might have been the moment Brereton Diaz needed.
Ben Jacobs told Give Me Sport earlier this month that Leeds could reignite previous interest and make a move for the Chilean, ahead of January. Team Talk say other clubs are keen. Marcelino discussed him.
“He had situations of having a finish to generate a little more danger and he was a little hasty. But that’s normal for forwards when you crave something,” Marcelino said on Brereton Diaz, as per Red Gol.
“Life must be given normality, forwards do not score goals when they want, but the goal comes as a result of their work. So don’t worry, his work capacity is satisfactory, he is always looking,” he added.
Marcelino comments on Leeds United target Ben Brereton Diaz
Do Leeds need him? Well, it might all depend on Patrick Bamford. The 30-year-old is currently back-up to the likes of Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter. He is yet to start a single game in the Championship.
Injury, constant criticism, a lack of game time. Bamford may feel like he needs a move away from Elland Road in the January window and if that is the case, then Leeds should look at pursuing Brereton Diaz.
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