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Who Is This 24-year Old International Midfielder That Leeds Are Trying To Sign? Everything You Need To Know

Alexander Gonzalez

Scout Report – Alexander Gonzalez

According to Spanish media outlet Aragon TV (via Sport Witness), EFL Championship side Leeds United are keen on signing midfielder Alexander Gonzalez from Spanish second division club Huesca.

The Whites have already been strongly linked with a move for Huesca’s attacker Samu Saiz, with reports emerging that a move for the forward was imminent. And now the latest claims indicate that Leeds are planning a double raid on the club and want to add Gonzalez to their ranks as well, as new manager Thomas Christiansen goes about strengthening his squad ahead of the new season.

The 24-year old Gonzalez fared decently last campaign for Huesca, scoring 4 times and creating 2 more goals for his teammates from 37 games in all competitions. Amid reports of Leeds’ interest in the wide player, let’s take a closer look at who exactly Alexander Gonzalez is and what will he be able to bring to the table.

Footballing Background

Born in Maracay, Venezuela, on 13 September 1992, Gonzalez started off his footballing career with FC Caracas back in his homeland and rose through the ranks at the academy, before breaking into the senior team in 2009 as a 17-year old.

He went on to make more than 70 appearances for Caracas in three years, before joining Swiss club BSC Young Boys in January 2012. He made 6 appearances for his new club in the Swiss Super League in the 2011/12 season, scoring one and setting up one.

Gonzalez enjoyed a strong first full season with Young Boys, ending up with 3 goals and 2 assists from 33 games across all competitions, making himself a regular in the first-team. However, he was shipped out to fellow Swiss club Aarau on loan for the following season where he had another solid season, with returns of 4 goals and 4 assists from 30 games. But upon returning at the end of the season, Young Boys sent him out on another temporary spell to FC Thun for the 2014/15 campaign.

The Venezuelan continued to impress at his new temporary club as he managed to find the back of the net on 7 occasions, setting up 2 more strikes from 33 games. However, he was unable to break into the Young Boys’ setup in the next campaign as well and as a result, the Swiss outfit released Gonzalez in January 2016, with Huesca snapping him up for free.

Upon arriving in January, Gonzalez made an immediate impact for the Spanish Segunda Division side as he finished with 2 goals and 5 assists in 16 La Liga2 games and continued his impressive run in the 2016/17 season as well.

Having represented Venezuela in the U-20’s level, Gonzalez earned a call-up to the senior side at a young age and made his debut in March 2011 as a 19-year old. Till date, he has gone on to represent the Venezuela international team on 45 times, scoring one goal.

Style of Play

A versatile operator, Gonzalez can slot in anywhere on the right flank – be it as a right-back, or a right-sided midfielder in a traditional 4-4-2 or even an advanced winger in a more attacking system. He can easily slot in on the left flank as well, from where he favours to cut in on to his stronger right foot.

In the early parts of his career, the 24-year old was largely used in a full-back position, but with his goal-scoring abilities coming to the fore with each passing year, his former clubs in Switzerland started deploying him in slightly advanced roles, which was where his best performances came in recent years.

A good dribbler of the ball and possessing serious pace, Gonzalez has shown strong traits of developing into a solid wide man. The Venezuelan international has also displayed good instincts and intelligence in his movement on and off the ball. He has the ability to cross the ball into the box and can score goals with his good finishing skills and composure in the box.

What Does The Future Hold?

Having lost the likes of Modou Barrow and Alfonso Pedraza Sag after the expiry of their loan spells, Leeds are in need of good, solid wingers in the team, who can provide them with goals and assists.

Gonzalez may not be that familiar a name around the Elland Road, but he certainly has the attributes to be a decent signing for the Whites. And with just a year left on his current deal with Huesca, he shouldn’t cost the club too much either. Leeds should also try and get him this summer.

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