Why Roofe’s goals can take Leeds higher than Wood did

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Leeds United appear to have finally found their Chris Wood replacement in Kemar Roofe.

The 25-year-old has six goals in nine Championship games this season already and is on course for a productive season in front of goal.

And there could be a lot of similarities between Roofe’s strike rate this season and Wood two years ago, who scored 30 in all competitions for the Whites before his move to Burnley.

But there is one key difference between Leeds’ season with Wood and this term: the midfield.

Leeds were overly reliant on Wood in the 2016/17 campaign.

After Wood’s tally of 30 goals, the next highest scorers were Pablo Hernandez, Souleymane Doukara and defender Kyle Bartley, who all scored six times.

However, this season, Marcelo Bielsa has other options for his goal scorers.

Midfielder Mateusz Klich has scored five times already. Roofe spent some time out injured and Tyler Roberts stepped up with three goals.

Ezgjan Alioski and Pablo Hernandez have also netted three times, as well as defender Liam Cooper.

Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison are just getting started and could definitely be goal threats, while Samu Saiz knows where the net is when he rediscovers his touch in front of goal.

Futhermore, Pontus Jansson will grab a few goals from set-pieces.

Leeds are not relying on Roofe this season, which takes the pressure off him. And goals from all over the park will surely lift the Whites higher than Wood was able to do on his own.