This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Unbelievable was the word Brian McDermott used to describe a tackle Matej Vydra completed in January 2016.
For the Czech forward, it’s perhaps symptomatic of a player he once was. Often cast aside when making his way into the Premier League, he’s previously flourished at Championship level.
For an indication of his record, he’s scored just four goals in the top-flight. In comparison, he’s netted 65 goals in the second tier.
It’s a fabulous return and one that on the face of it, could help take Leeds to promotion.
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The Burnley outcast was linked with a move to Elland Road last week (The Mirror, 22/11, page 74). Seemingly at Marcelo Bielsa’s request, he could cost the club around £7.5m.
It would be a statement of intent from a side who have struggled for goals in 2019/20. Patrick Bamford now has two in two but before that he’d gone ten games without finding the back of the net.
As for Eddie Nketiah, he’s now injured and could be recalled in January because of a lack of game time.
The Arsenal loanee is still yet to start a league game despite having just one fewer goal than his main competition.
It’s been a topsy-turvy period for the striker but whether or not he does stick around in January, Vydra is a player who can make Leeds supporters forget about their obsession with the 20-year-old.
They’ve expressed concerns about Nketiah’s possible departure ahead of January while there have also been numerous calls for him to start more matches.
Given Bamford’s wretched form at one point, those fears and cries were understandable.
But the fact of the matter is, Nketiah isn’t trusted by Bielsa. A man who has scored countless goals at this level, therefore, might have a better chance.
Vydra once bagged 20 in a season for Watford, a campaign where he terrorised Leeds. All the way back in November 2012, he scored twice in a 6-1 thrashing at Elland Road.
That might be seven years ago but it was a demonstration of the quality he possesses. As recently as 2017/18, he scored 21 for Derby.
This is someone with a proven track record at the level required and Leeds could boost their promotion hopes significantly by bringing him to the club.
With the obsession surrounding Nketiah still lingering in the air, this signing has the potential to batter away the constant discussion.
And in other news, Leeds have been linked with another attacker ahead of January…
