I'm hoping that the announcement of Crooks being out, but with no mention of Ndala's injury, at least means Ndala is available. And Belloumi will be on the bench.
That’s two of our tallest lads out already hopefully with Crooks it’s only two weeks though. See who he brings in.
Crook's being out is a big loss, he certainly has improved this season from last. However, Slater if he does come in IMO is not a bad replacement, he always gives 100% and gets into some great position in the box, he just needs to grab a goal, and he will get his confidence back.
I wonder if Slater would have put away the chance that Crooks took vs Oxford? It was a little like the one he fluffed vs Coventry, albeit it turned out he was offside. Can't complain about his effort and workrate though.
Belloumi back on the bench.....fk me that phrase is welcome! Almost a slight shame it's come before the end of the transfer window....when he bags a hatter and 4 assists in a 20 min cameo off the bench every ****er's going to want him
I mean, you could see that a mile off. It always amazes me how some players are chronically injured and some don’t miss a game. Greaves and Jones barely missed a game in four years but our two new centre-backs are out after just three competitive games.
I always find it strange that Slater is always highlighted as giving 100%. That surely is the minimum? There's only him and Coyle that are given that accolade as if it's some rare attribute. I don't worry as such about his goal getting, we have others for that. It's that for me when he starts in CM the game passes him by, and he's woeful out of possession. He won't be there offering an out ball like Crooks, he spends most of the game hiding behind a marker.
Him and Ashbee are bound to end up getting some senior game time this season. Not against that, could be a blessing in disguise for next season when we inevitably lose Hughes.
Famewo got a kick on the calf in training, do you think that was his fault or his calves strangely attract boots? Maybe you're trying a little too hard? Good points made. If Slater always gave 100% he's always be making himself available for a pass from the central defenders, and he very much does not.
Will be interesting who Jakirović plays next to Lundstram with Crooks out. Slater would be the safe option but he could play McCarthy instead. Archie Gray made his debut for Leeds in the opening game of the 23/24 season and went on to play 44 league games that season. If McCarthy is good enough, he should be trusted.
Funnily enough, even though he only played a few minutes off the bench, I did notice him doing that on Sunday. Here's hoping
He looked good in pre-season and would probably do a decent job, but with him being our back-up centre back, he might not be risked.
Lundstram can also play centre-back in a pinch. Problem is, there’s not a lot of depth in the holding midfield position to begin with. Hopefully Hadžiahmetović can sign soon.
