Leeds United have a problem with their attack at the moment, and it begs the question of who should be leading the line each week up front.
Leeds fans weren’t overly optimistic about the season ahead and how they would be able to score enough goals, due to the signing of two free agents to strengthen the attack on top of Joel Piroe.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is seen as the big-name signing and has largely been first choice. But the last two games have seen Lukas Nmecha get the nod.
Most Read on LeedsAllOver
Lukas Nmecha scores third Premier League goal as Leeds United lose to Aston Villa – Only behind Erling Haaland for xG per 90
Prior to the break, Nmecha netted a fine goal away at Nottingham Forest. He took a touch to shift himself into a yard of space before lashing a shot low beyond Matz Sels – the sort of ruthlessness a Leeds striker is going to need this season, given the lack of service.
Starting again versus Aston Villa, Nmecha justified his continued selection as he stabbed home a scrappy opener for the second game running. Anton Stach leaping to unsettle Emi Martinez led to a bundled goalmouth effort for Nmecha.
Lukas Nmecha stabs in Leeds United’s opener against Aston Villa. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
That goal was his third of the season despite only playing 350 minutes in total. As a result, he’s generated 0.77xG per 90 minutes, which is second in the Premier League according to FotMob. No surprises who the only player above Nmecha is: Manchester City’s Erling Haaland on 1.10xG per 90.
|Lukas Nmecha vs Aston Villa|
|---|---|
|Touches|28|
|Shots (on target)|1 (1)|
|xG|0.79|
|Pass success|62% (8/13)|
|Key passes|1|
In terms of actual goals per 90, Nmecha makes it into the top 10 of all Premier League players this season with a rate of 0.78.
Lukas Nmecha now must start for Leeds United away to Manchester City
If we’re to assume that Farke remains in charge for the trip to Man City this weekend, then it’s probably worth Nmecha staying in the lineup.
I’m of the opinion that Calvert-Lewin is still Leeds’ best all-round option, but while Farke is failing to play to his strengths, there’s no point starting him in an ill-fitting role because it’s not working.
Nmecha, though, has more than proved his worth as a starting option for Leeds in the last two games. He’s fed off scraps, and two goals in two games is surely worthy of recognition.
He’s demonstrated good mobility to stretch a back four, getting the better of Pau Torres on several occasions on Sunday. At Man City, Leeds will need someone capable of covering a lot of ground and going toe-to-toe in a foot race.
It seems a no brainer that Nmecha will keep his place. Additionally, he’ll no doubt have a point to prove against his old club.
Read more: Daniel Farke answers question on Leeds United sack decision.