1.5 key passes and 1.6 crosses – Leeds should not hesitate to sign this dynamic central midfielder in January

Lewis MacLeod would be a great addition to Leeds United’s midfield

According to Hull Daily Mail, Leeds United and Rangers have expressed their interest in signing Brentford midfielder Lewis MacLeod in January. The 24-year-old Scotsman has been in good form in the Championship this term, registering 2 goals and an assist from 13 appearances.

Those facts might not be so telling but MacLeod is one of the most versatility central midfielders in the Championship.

He proclaims his value as a utility player who can be deployed as a central midfielder and a central attacking playmaker. He has also been used as a central defensive midfielder this season where he has dictated the tempo of the game from a deep position in the midfield.

The Peacocks have made a brilliant start to their Championship campaign this term and are one of the bookies’ favourites to return to the top flight this season.

They haven’t tasted top-flight football since they were relegated back in the 2003-04 season and Marcelo Bielsa’s side have a great chance of securing promotion if they can continue their good run of form.

Leeds sit 2nd in the Championship standings with 27 points from 15 games, just two points behind toppers Sheffield United. The Peacocks have a good record both in terms of attack and defence, scoring 26 and conceding just 12 in the process.

In Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez, Leeds have two of the most potent and creative attackers in the Championship. They have been supported well by the likes of Mateusz Klich, Samuel Saiz and Kalvin Phillips who have ensured that the attackers are not short of supply in the final third.

To be honest, Leeds have enough depth in their midfield options with the likes of Lewis Baker, Adam Forshaw, Patrick Bamford, Jack Harrison and Ezgjan Alioski. However, they should not hesitate to add the highly-rated Lewis MacLeod to bolster their options in the centre of the park.

The 24-year-old has a sound technique and combines his technical abilities with his game-reading and vision to excel as a central midfielder. He is not the quickest player on the pitch and does not have those mesmerizing dribbling skills to tease the fans.

However, he makes up for his lack of flair with his superior tactical awareness and remarkable vision. At times, he drifts to the wider areas of the pitch and links up the play with short passes.

Not many central midfielders are good crossers but MacLeod has a keen eye for a cross and tends to pick out the runs of his teammates with perfectly weighted long balls. He has averaged 1.5 key passes, 1.6 crosses and 1.5 long balls per game this term in the Championship. Furthermore, he is a good shooter from distance and is adept at finding the net from set-pieces.

 

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A perfectly balanced central midfielder, MacLeod contributes a lot to the defence as well. He uses his anticipation and tackling to cut out the attacks from the central areas of the park. The 24-year-old has averaged 2.1 tackles per game this season.

That said, Leeds should not hesitate to make a move for this versatile and dynamic central midfielder as it would do a world of good to their squad depth and team dynamics.