Why Leeds United must quickly make a move for Samir Nasri
After a blistering start to life under manager Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United have endured a slump that has seen them win just twice in their last five Championship outings.
Following Leeds’ 3-0 victory over Preston North End back in September, Bielsa’s men have struggled to get positive results and a 1-0 victory against Hull City would be deemed as a chance gone begging to improve the goal difference.
Leeds United were backing to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town but they weren’t at their imperious best. Truth be told, the effect of Bielsa’s high-octane style of play has slowly taken a toll on the players and injuries have disrupted their momentum a bit.
So it is important for the Whites to build on the win against Ipswich Town to ensure they stay in the reckoning for promotion. One major concern for Bielsa in recent weeks has been the team’s lack of cutting edge in the final third.
Samu Saiz has been a shadow of his former self, while on-loan Chelsea midfielder Izzy Brown is yet to return to full fitness. Pablo Hernandez is a classy playmaker but if the Spaniard fails to weave his magic, there isn’t any player capable of winning games single-handedly. And given the lack of creativity, Leeds would do a terrific job by signing free agent Samir Nasri.
The 31-year-old is currently serving a ban due to the usage of banned drugs but he can return to training from November 1. However, he can’t begin playing again until January 2019 but bringing the French attacker in for training to get him to match fitness for the second half of the season would be a brilliant move by Bielsa.
For Nasri though, question marks have always remained over his attitude, work ethic and commitment, but there is no denying his talent and ability to change the course of games on his day.
The Frenchman is a gifted attacker blessed with a superb technique and vision, and can link up the play between the midfield and the attack. The former Arsenal man is a very good set-piece taker and delivers accurate balls into the box from corners and dead-ball situations.
Nasri is an excellent runner of the ball, possesses exceptional ball control and is lethal in front of the goal. The Frenchman’s ability is undoubted and would certainly improve the potency of Leeds’ play in the final third.
And at 31, he still has a lot to offer and could become a difference-maker for Leeds in their chase for promotion.
Read more: Who is this versatile 20-year-old personally scouted by Bielsa? A big talent for the future?
Available on a free transfer, Leeds must quickly get their icy hands on Nasri.