Leeds United have begun the new season in spectacular fashion under Marcelo Bielsa. They are sitting atop the Championship table and have made a resounding start to life in the new manager’s era.
However, the same cannot be said for Stuart Dallas. Lately, Dallas has been well-known as one of Leeds’ most effective utility players but in doing so, he has effectively reduced his chances of nailing down a regular spot in the starting XI.
Take a look at his numbers from the ongoing season, for example. Dallas has spent just 15 minutes on the field, coming on as a substitute in two second-tier games. And that’s about it. These numbers look worrisome for a player who is nearing 30 and should be playing more often.
In fact, at 27 years of age, the Northern Ireland man is more than capable of delivering some of his best performances. But alas, it does not look like he has the adequate time to do so.
Contracted to Elland Road until 2020, Dallas must find a way to make room for himself in the starting XI. Yes, Bielsa has been rather ruthless with the way he has offloaded and loaned out several of the club’s players.
However, Dallas must make a solid attempt to work wonders and cement his own role in the first-team. At the risk of sounding ironic, he is truly tailor-made to suit and thrive in Bielsa’s unconventionally trademark system.
Now, Dallas can play either as a left-back or as a left wing-back. But last season, he spent a lot of time on the right flank as well. Regardless, it is time for him to stop acting as a temporary solution to various roles. Bielsa’s high press tactics favour players who put in a solid work rate – both on and off the ball.
Every player – be it the forwards, midfielders or defenders – must work hard regardless of whether or not they have the ball at their feet.
And to that end, Dallas has one of the strongest work ethics in the current Leeds team, making him ideal for the new manager. In fact, he has the ultimate blend of offensive and defensive qualities needed to thrive in Bielsa’s formations and tactics.
But right now for him, it is more about sharpening his end product. While nobody can question the amount of hard work he puts in, it can often amount to nothing. But if Dallas can work on that, nothing can stop him from becoming a key player for Leeds this season.
