Barry Douglas is in danger of becoming a Leeds United dud

By Mathew Nash

When Leeds United signed Barry Douglas last summer there was plenty of reason for optimism. The Scotland defender had just come off the back of an incredible season with Wolverhampton Wanderers where he had helped the side win the Championship by providing 14 assists from left-back. 

So Leeds’ decision to spend a reported (Sky Sports) £3 million bringing him to Elland Road looked more than justified. 

However, 18 months down the line, is Douglas in danger of being considered a Leeds United flop. 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 20: Barry Douglas of Leeds United reacts to a miss chance during the match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Leeds United at Bankwest Stadium on July 20, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

Things all started very well. Douglas bagged an assist on debut last season and was a regular for the first 11 games of the campaign. 

But then the niggling injuries started. First a hamstring, then a strain, then knee ligament damage. In the end, Douglas finished the season with just 26 games under his belt as Leeds fell short of promotion. 

This year has been even less productive. Injuries have again played their part but the form of Ezgjan Alioski now has Douglas sitting on the bench. In fact, he has not started a game since the 2-0 win over Wigan in August. 

With Alioski now settled into the position, he started his career, left-back, and talented Leif Davis coming through the ranks it is feasible that Douglas, who is out of contract in 2021, is one of Leeds’ more expendable assets. 

It certainly seems he is at risk of never living up to expectations in West Yorkshire.