Sam Allardyce is going to need at least four points from Leeds United’s remaining three games if we are to stand any chance of Premier League survival, he needs a new source of inspiration – and that could be Sam Greenwood.
Greenwood, 21, came into the Leeds side last season under Jesse Marsch, largely. In our final-day win at Brentford, he played a crucial role in a new position – a big risk taken by Marsch. But it paid off, playing as a holding midfielder.
This season, Greenwood has only managed 21 outings – just one Premier League start. Under Javi Gracia, he was used once in 12 games, the 1-0 loss to Chelsea. He even failed to make the squad against Wolves and Fulham.
But in Allardyce’s first game, Greenwood was given 30 minutes against City. With the midfield struggling and the ex-Arsenal talent able to play as a central midfielder, it makes sense to give the £1.5m man a chance in the Leeds side.
He performed well against City, has experience of playing in the heat and pressure of a relegation, must-win battle. Not only that, but his ability from set-pieces gives Leeds a real threat. He has two assists and a goal in the League.
Allardyce needs source of Leeds inspiration and it could be Greenwood
In the 4-3 win over Bournemouth, he scored and laid on an assist. Marc Roca’s form has been poor of late and even against City, Jamie Carragher blamed Roca for both of Ilkay Gundogan’s goals. Like Illan Meslier, he needs dropping.
Allardyce made the big call to drop a player like Meslier – normally a mainstay – out of the team due to his poor form. Roca should be looked at in the same light, and in his place against Newcastle, Greenwood should be brought in.
His attacking mindset, twinned with his midfield technical ability and tenacity – as well as his set-piece quality, has got to prove convincing for Allardyce. Gracia’s forgotten man could turn into Allardyce’s surprise package.
