Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa gives update on Tottenham star Jack Clarke’s progress

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Marcelo Bielsa has told his pre-QPR press conference – as quoted by Leeds Live – that Tottenham Hotspur’s Jack Clarke is making progress on loan at Leeds despite a lack of game time under the Argentine.

Clarke, 18, joined Tottenham on a permanent deal in the summer after breaking into the Leeds side last term and clocking up 25 appearances. As part of his move to Spurs, Clarke has returned to Leeds on a season-long loan.

But after managing just two appearances in the Carabao Cup and only making the bench for eight of Leeds’ 14 league games, there has been talks of the England youth international returning to north London and being loaned to another side.

Bielsa was asked about Clarke, who may see his place on the bench vanish on Saturday as Pablo Hernandez returns from injury. The manager reckons he has improved, a surprising comment given he yet to make a league appearance this season.

“He is improving. Clarke has the performance that allows him to play in the first team. He had a problem for a long period. Now, step by step, he’s finding his level. When an attacker plays well, he becomes a resource for the manager,” Bielsa said.

“It’s very difficult to play well when you are attacking. Clarke is a similar option to Pablo, Helder and Harrison. He’s going to have space because all the managers pay attention, no manager would ignore his skill.”

TBR’s view – Should Clarke stay at Leeds, or return to Spurs in January?

The Football League loan rule has hindered Clarke’s chances of more game time. Football League clubs are permitted to have only five players on-loan in their matchday 18, and Leeds have six players on loan.

Illan Meslier (Lorient), Jack Harrison (Manchester City), Helder Costa (Wolves), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) and Ben White (Brighton) are also on loan. It means one has to miss out – with Nketiah, Harrison, Costa and White crucial.

With Hernandez injured, Meslier has been dropped and Clarke has come on the bench. But Hernandez is now fit again. The fact that Clarke is struggling to even get on the bench should convince Spurs to cancel his loan and move him on elsewhere.