One thing that is clearly missing from Daniel Farke’s Leeds United side is a creative player, able to produce something out of nothing, with Leeds set to play on the counter for most of the season.
Leeds’ XG might be the 14th-highest in the league ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Burnley on Sunday, but one goal in four Premier League games – a penalty against Everton – is a real cause for concern.
It is not as if Leeds didn’t realise this themselves. But in the dying embers of the transfer window, Leeds failed in their pursuit of Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte and Harry Wilson, who faced Leeds on Saturday.
Brenden Aaronson was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up on Saturday and he failed to provide it, even if his near-post flick almost broke the deadlock. Well, Buonanotte may be regretting his decision.
Facundo Buonanotte in action for Chelsea.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Facundo Buonanotte’s Chelsea debut ends in nightmare
Not many can understand why Buonanotte chose Chelsea. Leeds had agreed a loan with Brighton for the Argentine, with a medical and plane booked. But at the last minute, Chelsea hijacked Leeds’ loan deal.
The Leeds United Club Badge.
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Buonanotte was persuaded to join Chelsea. Jon Newsome suggests his agent may have decided for him, but transfer expert Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Buonanotte will play plenty for Chelsea.
Buonanotte was left out of Chelsea’s Champions League squad but on Saturday night, he was handed his first start against Brentford. 45 minutes later, Buonanotte was hooked with Brentford leading at half-time.
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Facundo Buonanotte’s disastrous first start did not stop there…
With Buonanotte’s involvement in Europe for Chelsea shelved until at least January when he can then be retrospectively registered, he will need to take advantage of the game time he gets domestically.
But he struggled against Brentford and having been hooked at half-time, the man he is competing with for Chelsea starts, instantly scored. Cole Palmer came off the bench after a knock to equalise for Chelsea.
Cole Palmer in action for Chelsea against Brentford.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Instantly, the difference in quality between Buonanotte and Palmer was realised, not least by manager Enzo Maresca. In an instant, Buonanotte’s remaining chances of game time have dramatically reduced.
At least at Leeds, Buonanotte would not have been backstabbed as he was in being left out of Chelsea’s Champions League squad and certainly, he would be one of the first names on Daniel Farke’s team sheet.