Forget it Bielsa – This Real Madrid liability is not who Leeds need

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4 years ago

December 30, 2020, Elche, ALICANTE, SPAIN: Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid CF gestures during La Liga football match played between Elche CF and Real Madrid CF at Martinez Valero stadium on December 30, 2020 in Elche, Alicante, Spain. Elche SPAIN - ZUMAa181 20201230_zaa_a181_230 Copyright: xIrinaxR.xHipolitox

Why Leeds United should avoid Real Madrid star Lucas Vazquez

According to Defensa Central (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is keen on signing Lucas Vazquez. The winger is in the final six months of his contract and has rejected Real Madrid’s first offer. He is said to be asking for a substantial pay raise. Bielsa has asked the club to keep a tab on the situation.

Lucas Vazquez isn’t a very reliable player

While Lucas Vazquez is a handy player to have in a side, he is a classic case of ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’. The Spaniard can put in a shift at right-wing or even at right-back but he is mediocre at best at right-wing and quite bad at right-back.

Lucas Vazquez has won several trophies with Real Madrid (Getty Images)

Every time Vazquez has been asked to cover for the injured Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola, he has fluffed his lines on most occasions. His defensive inadequacies have cost Real Madrid dearly this season. While he is not to blame given he is more suited in the final third, Leeds United need to take note of these issues.

Leeds would be better of without Vazquez

It looks very likely that Vazquez could be brought in for his newfound ability to play at right-back. Leeds are understaffed in that area and Vazquez seems like a good option to go for given his free agent status in 6 months time.

However, if one uses someone like Vazquez, who has a natural tendency to attack and leave spaces behind, it’s a surefire recipe for disaster. One also has to keep in mind that Real Madrid have more competent centre-backs like Ramos and Varane.

December 5, 2020, Sevilla, SEVILLA, SPAIN: Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid during LaLiga, football match played between Sevilla Futbol Club and Real Madrid Club de Futbol at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on December 5, 2020 in Sevilla, Spain.

It is understandable that Leeds want another full-back on the right but Vazquez shouldn’t be the one they must go for. There are plenty of natural right-backs in the market.

Yes, he looks like a decent option to go for given the zero transfer fee involved but it is very doubtful as to how he can improve the side or even provide competition for the existing players.

Sourav Ghosh