Why Leeds United must keep hold of Kemar Roofe at all costs
Premier League clubs Southampton, Brighton and Burnley are keeping tabs on Leeds United attacker Kemar Roofe, as per the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Marcelo Bielsa’s arrival at Elland Road has led to significant improvements for Leeds, who clearly stand as one of the favourites to get promoted to the Premier League after a superb start to their Championship campaign.
And amongst all the players, Kemar Roofe looks to be the most improved player under Bielsa, with the attacker scoring four goals and supplying two assists in six appearances before being sidelined through injury. And it isn’t a surprise to see the 25-year-old garner a lot of interest from the Premier League already, following a bright start to the Championship campaign.
Roofe was sensational in the opening weeks of the season, scoring four times in the first six Championship games. When Leeds lost Roofe to injury during the previous international break, the void simply got highlighted as Bielsa’s team struggled to create chances and score goals.
In the 25-year-old’s absence, Leeds have won just two of their five matches, with the second of those victories coming against Hull City earlier this week.
Last season, Roofe finished as the club’s leading scorer with 14 goals, 11 of which came in the Championship. This season, he looks to improve his tally but has been troubled with a calf injury. However, Bielsa is expecting the 25-year-old regain full fitness for the visit to Blackburn Rovers on October 20.
Roofe has proven to be a fantastic player for the Whites under Bielsa, taking the new centre-forward role like a duck to water, providing plenty of pace, movement and goals. He has been impactful in leading Leeds’ attack and has shown his elite ability to create chances for his teammates as well.
The versatile attacker has been one of Leeds’ best players so far this season, essaying a new role under a highly demanding manager. More than his goals and the chances he has created, Bielsa would be happy with the ex-West Brom man’s work-rate and the shift he has put in every game in the Championship.
Roofe has shown incredible levels of stamina to attack and simultaneously help his team defensively too when required.
Read more: Why Bielsa could get the best out of this out of form Leeds winger by benching him for the next few games
There is no doubt that Roofe has become a key figure for Leeds this season. While interest from the Premier League could turn the forward’s head, Leeds must do all they can to keep hold of their star man. Bielsa’s system has suited Roofe and with the early promise the player has shown, it is safe to suggest that the Whites must resist any offers from the Premier League.