A few Leeds United fans have been reacting on social media, after it was noted that Stuart Dallas has scored two goals in his last two Championship appearances.
The 28-year-old right-back had only found the back of the net once in the league heading into our Boxing Day encounter with Preston North End, against whom he would strike an 89th-minute equaliser to ensure we remained within three points of leaders West Bromwich Albion.
Dallas kept his shooting boots on at the weekend as we travelled to Birmingham City, as he did not shy away from trying his luck in the 84th-minute to put the Whites into a 4-3 lead after twice seeing the Blues pull level.
Lukas Jutkiewicz would again equalise for Birmingham in the first minute of stoppage-time, but a Wes Harding own goal ensured we will end the year atop the Championship standings on goal difference to West Brom.
Dallas has not only found the net himself this month but notched his first – and only – assist of the campaign thus far against Cardiff City on December 14, when he created Patrick Bamford’s eighth-minute effort to move us into a 2-0 lead.
Who is our first-choice right-back?
Dallas
Ayling
Dallas featuring at the Hawthorns on New Year’s Day for our top-of-the-table clash with West Brom would be his 26th league appearance of the term and potentially his 26th start, having opened each second-tier fixture in 2019/20.
The £1.8million-rated Northern Ireland international has not been solely deployed in his more natural defensive position, either, with boss Marcelo Bielsa having to utilise Dallas’ versatility to cover for injuries.
Dallas has played 11 of his 25 games at right-back, six at right-midfield, five at left-back, two in central midfield and once started in an attacking midfield role.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Dallas’ recent form…
Most consistent performer alongside big bad Ben by a long way
— GARETH SMITH (@bigbadg123) December 30, 2019
Northern Irish Messi @W13salmon
— Tj (@lufct93) December 30, 2019
It’s a finish that! He loves it
— Daniel (@Schmuck90) December 30, 2019
🐐
— Ethan Wetherell (@ethanw1104) December 30, 2019
what a pler the big man is.
— XOF 🦊 (@goddamnpal) December 30, 2019
CF on Wednesday then.
— Bielsa Bubb 💙💛 (@bellhouse_mike) December 30, 2019
@lukeayling_8 What a performance 💪🏼 MOTM for me 💛💙
— Andy Wright (@AndyWri21706558) December 30, 2019
Stuart has been the unsung hero this season and for me is pushing to be player of the season. He’s played in numerous positions and never let us down, he just quietly gets the job done. A terrific team player!💛💙
— Phil B 🇮🇨+🏴🦁🦁🦁🇬🇧 (@LUSCarborough) December 30, 2019
In other Leeds United news, a £7.2m-rated man has come in for criticism for his recent performances.