Exclusive: Nigel Martyn says Leeds United mainstay could be a ‘victim of his own success’

Add as preferred source on Google

Nigel Martyn has told The Boot Room that Leeds United star Stuart Dallas could prove to be a “victim of his own success” as he continues to be used in multiple positions by Marcelo Bielsa – playing in central midfield of late.

Naturally a winger, 29-year-old Dallas has played on either side of the defence this season as well as part of a two-man central-midfield system, or alongside Mateusz Klich in front of Kalvin Phillips. He does not have one position nailed down.

Against Leicester, Dallas bombed on further than Patrick Bamford to sweep a right-footed effort into the back of the net – and remained in the middle of the park against Everton on Wednesday night. The Whites were beaten 2-1 by the Toffees at home.

Dallas has started every single Premier League game for Leeds this season, being substituted in just one match. Clearly, even though he is not specifically identified as one position, Dallas is crucial to Argentine manager Bielsa.

Having surpassed 200 appearances for Leeds in all competitions this season, Martyn has concerns that Dallas could prove to be a “victim of his own success” given that when everyone is fit, he may find he has not nailed down his own position.

“Stuart is a talented footballer that can play in lots of different positions,” Martyn told The Boot Room. “He might be a victim of his own success in being able to do that, because he is then not going to nail down one position.

“I do think there is a starting spot for him, left-back is his strongest position. He plays there over Alioski. At the moment it is fine, but it is if a player comes in while he is covering, he may feel that he is replaced when he returns.

“He is a victim of his own success, I think he is a very, very good footballer and managers like players of his ilk. Centre-midfield is not his strongest position, but I am a fan of Stuart.”

TBR’s view – When everyone is fit, does Dallas start?

Probably, on the left side of the defence. But the longer Dallas continues to chip in in different positions – central midfield, right-back, holding midfield – he may find that when he does return to left-back, he has lost his place.

Certainly, Gjanni Alioski has done really well at left-back and even scored a couple of goals. Yes, the North Macedonia international’s contract is in doubt – but he has starred on the left and talks are underway between club and player.

But as Bielsa remains in charge, Dallas will have a place in the Leeds side – that is how important he is to Bielsa.