“It’s A Massive Come Down” – Former Player Questions Key Signings Future At Leeds

One of the biggest signings for Leeds United during manager Marcelo Bielsa’s first summer at the club was recently promoted (title winner) Wolverhampton Wanderers left back Barry Douglas.

The 30-year-old, one cap Scottish international, has a fantastic number of assists across their campaign and plenty of Wolves fans were sad to see him go and he quickly established himself as a fan favourite as Elland Road – racking up 27 appearances as we narrowly missed out on promotion in the campaign of 2018/19.

This season he’s seen injury get in the way again and he’s been restricted to only ten appearances so far, with the bulk of his game time coming as a substitute as he plays second fiddle to Stuart Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski.

With him again being on the bench for the visit of Hull City in midweek, former player and now pundit Noel Whelan has questioned whether Douglas will remain at the club next summer with such limited game time.

“He is behind Alioski and Dallas at left-back. He’s on the bench at the minute and will remain so. It’s a massive come down for Barry Douglas, who we all expected to be a key man. Marcelo Bielsa wants his full-backs to play like wing-backs, and Douglas has to become that type of player to get in the side. I’m not sure he will be at Leeds next season. He has two players in front of him in his position, and he’s not going to get the nod if we’re in the Premier League. I can see him going.”

We all knew what Dallas was like covering the position and even he’s improved this year, but I think few thought Alioski would do so well in the role himself, so I’m not sure I buy the Douglas has the wrong style angle, but undoubtedly he’s always been better on the attack it seems that the strict defensive role.

Douglas was always a statement signing and despite some criticism (like all players) he’s rarely let us down and his time may come again – but such is football.

Previous Article:

Report Claims Leeds Have Scouted 22 y/o Championship Midfielder, But Our Mind Isn’t Yet Made Up