Leeds’ 20-year-old may be best-placed to achieve what no player has yet done under Bielsa – TBR View

Add as preferred source on Google

It continues to be an ominous sign for Leeds United players when they are sent away from Elland Road by Marcelo Bielsa to go out on loan.

Bielsa is in his fourth season with the Whites. And remarkably, the situation remains that no player loaned out since the start of the 2018/19 campaign has come back and made a competitive appearance for Leeds upon their return.

That would suggest that promising talents such as Alfie McCalmont and Ian Poveda are fighting an uphill battle trying to make the grade at Leeds.

Certainly, it is hard to imagine players such as Kiko Casilla, Helder Costa or Ryan Edmondson playing for the Whites again should Bielsa continue next year.

But perhaps there is a good chance that one member of the current crop can be the player to put an end to the run.

Mateusz Bogusz is currently on his second loan. The Poland under-21 international joined Ibiza in the summer. He had previously been with Logrones.

The attacking midfielder had looked superb for the under-23s. So it certainly came as a surprise to many when he was loaned out – particularly given what that usually means under Bielsa.

He was also involved with the first-team. He made three senior appearances. And he looked particularly impressive in the pre-season ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Bogusz form leaving Leeds with food for thought

His return of three goals and three assists in Spain’s second tier is reasonable. On paper, it may not stand out.

However, some of the moments of magic from Bogusz have shown just how good the 20-year-old can be. There have been some long-range screamers.

And he has played on both flanks and the number 10 role. He is a player therefore, who can fill in in a number of positions.

There is some way to go this season. And Leeds have plenty of players in those positions. Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood are amongst the next crop knocking on the door, capable of playing as a 10.

But it would be a real shame for Leeds fans if Bogusz was not given another chance.

It does appear that if any player is going to be able to buck the trend and force his way back into Bielsa’s plans next season, Bogusz may be best placed.