Why re-signing this 28-year-old Nottingham Forest star is the solution to Leeds’s midfield woes

Why re-signing Liam Bridcutt from Nottingham Forest is the solution to Leeds United’s midfield woes

Former Leeds United midfielder Liam Bridcutt is playing for Nottingham Forest right now, after joining the club last summer. However, the Whites have lacked a quality defensive midfielder in his absence and with the upcoming transfer window ahead of us, it does the raise the question of whether or not Paul Heckingbottom should make a move to re-sign Bridcutt.

Although the club did not initially think his absence would affect them, the truth is that it has created a void in the middle of the park but is bringing him to back to Elland Road the solution?

The midfield continues to be a problem area for Leeds. Although Adam Forshaw’s arrival in the January window was expected to solve their issues in that area, the fact is that they are yet to find a solid player who can partner up with him in the middle of the park.

And to make things all the more interesting, a player like the 28-year-old Bridcutt would have been ideal in doing so. As far as Heckingbottom’s current options are concerned, Eunan O’Kane has been underwhelming, Ronaldo Vieira has struggled and Kalvin Phillips has also faltered despite showing initial promise.

Furthermore, Bridcutt’s situation at Forest is not all that great either. Ever since Aitor Karanka took charge of the club, he has found it difficult to play regularly.

An injury did contribute to that but there is no denying that fact that Bridcutt will have to deal with immense competition to secure a starting spot for himself. Forest signed the likes of Ben Watson, Jack Colback and Adlene Guediora in the January window as well, meaning it will be an uphill task for Bridcutt to clock regular minutes on the field.

Hence, this could prompt Leeds to sign him once more this summer. He might not be the most technical player but he is solid and not just in the physical sense of the term.

An out-and-out defensive midfielder, Bridcutt can bring so much to the fore than just brute power. He has been an underrated player for the longest time now but with his energy and tenacity in the middle of the park, Bridcutt can prove to be the missing link in the Leeds midfield.

To further compound Leeds’ troubles, the club have looked quite vulnerable at the back due to lack of adequate protection from the midfielders. O’Kane and Phillips have been far from providing a tough cover to shield the back line and that has been reflective in the way Leeds have played in the last few matches.

Hence, perhaps the club should consider bringing Bridcutt back to Elland Road once this season comes to an end.