Transfers

78% pass success rate, 1.4 dribbles per game: Why Blackburn Rovers may pursue fresh Leeds United agreement

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As the season draws to a close, there is a fair amount of focus once again shifting in the direction of Leeds United winger Ian Poveda.

Back in the summer transfer window, Poveda was allowed to join Championship side Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan, in the search of more regular game time.

However, a serious ankle injury means the 22-year-old has managed just eight appearances for the Ewood Park club, none of which have come since November.

Because of that, it seems there is a chance that Poveda could be loaned out again next season, to get those opportunities he missed out on during the current campaign.

But could Blackburn be tempted to purse a fresh agreement to bring the winger back to Lancashire next season?

Here, we’ve taken a look at the stats behind Poveda’s performances for Rovers so far this season – according to WhoScored – in order to find out.

The obvious stats that people will look to when assessing an attacking, are his direct goal contributions, and in that sense, Poveda does do reasonably well.

With 1 goals and two assists in his eight appearances for Rovers – four of which have come from the bench – there are certainly promising signs in terms of what impact he can make for the club.

That is despite the fact that Poveda averages just 0.5 shots per game in a Blackburn shirt this season, a tally that does feel slightly low for a forward thinking player.

Indeed, given how Rovers have struggled for goals in recent weeks, it could be argued that they will be looking for players who can test the goalkeeper more than that in the summer.

However, there are other aspects of the 22-year-old’s game that could make a new deal more appealing for Rovers.

Having averaged1.4 dribbles per game, the winger is one option who may be willing to take on opposition defences, in an attempt to make things happen, something he has also shown he can do with Leeds on a number of occasions.

Furthermore, with a pass success rate of 78%, it seems it did not take long for Poveda to develop something of a connection with his teammates at Rovers, ensuring he is a rather reliable option in possession for Tony Mowbray’s side.

With that in mind, while there may still be elements of the winger’s game that need working on, that is often what loan spells such as these are for, and there is clearly evidence to suggest that he can still contribute even while that development is ongoing.

As a result, another deal for Poveda could be worth pursuing for Blackburn, especially considering another of their wide options, Reda Khadra, is only on loan from Brighton until the end of this season.

Should Poveda be given a chance at Leeds next season?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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UCLan Sports Journalism graduate. Have been working for Leeds All Over since summer 2020, and can only be found writing on Football League World.