Performance In Numbers

58% passing, 0/10 duels: Struggling Leeds United man needs to make way for £36m signing

|
Image for 58% passing, 0/10 duels: Struggling Leeds United man needs to make way for £36m signing

Leeds United were devoid of any inspiration away at Everton at the weekend, but while blame has been thrown at the board, some of the players need to produce more too.

Michael Skubala’s role at the club right now is one that is thankless one as he looks to keep the side together in the midst of a relegation battle.

A trip to Everton was a massive one in the grand scheme of the season, and Seamus Coleman’s goal was a deserved one which highlighted further problems and differences between the two clubs now – Sean Dyche’s organised and spirited outfit out-played manager-less Leeds.

However, at player-level, Leeds know they could have done more on a very basic standpoint to get more from the game than they did.

At the bottom, reverting to basics is something you need to do: winning battles, being aggressive, working hard, and ensuring that you aren’t wasteful in possession.

Leeds struggled on the whole, and Jack Harrison’s 2023 resurgence of sorts was halted at the weekend with a real lacklustre display.

Harrison struggled for Leeds in the defeat to Everton, with and without possession. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

According to Wyscout, Harrison’s total actions only yielded a success rate of 30% both with and against possession, marking a worrying performance for him.

In terms of his possession work, he only registered a passing accuracy of 58%, lower than Leeds’s overall accuracy of 69% (WhoScored.com).

Couple that with just one attempted dribble that didn’t come off, and only one shot that was from 25 yards and dragged wide, and you have a player who could not affect the game in the final third at all.

Is Javi Gracia a good appointment?

Yes

Yes

No

No

It’s not as though Harrison was the chief issue for Leeds, with Patrick Bamford also unable to complete a dribble against a side who imposed themselves physically on the match and earned a win through that dominance.

Harrison struggled out of possession too, contesting in 10 duels but losing every single one, while only registering one interception.

The season is edging towards needing some individual brilliance to revitalise survival chances, and if your attacking midfielder is putting up these numbers, it’s a long day ahead.

Meanwhile, Leeds have a £36million attacker sitting on the bench and still waiting for his first Premier League start.

Quiz: How much do you know about Leeds United’s go-to caretaker Michael Skubala? Find out here…

1 of 15

When did Skubala join Leeds?

Share this article

Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.