5 goals and 6 assists – This 31-year-old Dutchman is the answer to Leeds’ lack of creativity from wide areas

Why Leeds United should sign Jeremain Lens from Besiktas

According to a report from Turkish outlet Fotomac, Championship club Leeds United are keeping close tabs on Besiktas winger Jeremain Lens. The Peacocks even sent scouts to watch the player feature in the Turkish side’s 3-2 win over Sarpsborg on Thursday in the Europa League.

The 31-year-old former Sunderland start has been impressive for Besiktas this season, having registered five goals and six assists in 18 appearances in all competitions. He shone in that European game, helping his team to come back from 2-0 down to eventually win the game 3-2.

Here’s why Leeds United should make a bid for the Dutchman sooner rather than later:

Backup for attacking options

Leeds United are back on track after a bit of a stutter and find themselves second in the Championship table. Based on current position, they are set to get promoted to the Premier League, however, there are still 26 matchdays to go.

Marcelo Bielsa is doing a fantastic job in his first season in charge, leading a rather tight squad of players to play excellent football. But there are a couple of positions which need rectifying in January, especially if the Peacocks are aiming for a league title this time around.

Getting a centre-back should be a priority, however, they are terribly short on quality in wide attacking areas. Only Pablo Hernandez has been doing well on a consistent basis. Meanwhile, Ezgjan Alioski has been a waste and Jack Harrison is still learning the trade.

This weakness popped out when Hernandez got injured and Leeds stopped creating enough chances from wide areas despite getting into good positions. Getting a player like Lens, who can operate on either wing and can also play as a striker when needed, would be fantastic.

The Dutchman is 31 and has a few years of peak football left in him. He has been in great form in this campaign and the numbers mentioned above speak for itself. Having played in England before at the Stadium of Light, the winger would be aware of what it is like to play in a country where the second-tier league is as competitive as the first-tier.

Read More: 2.1 tackles and pass success rate of 83.2% – Premier League bigwigs should take note of this 22-year-old Championship ace

For Leeds, getting Lens would mean a much-needed enhancement of quality in the wide attacking areas. It would not only help on them on a short-term basis to maintain their great start but also aid them next year if they qualify to play Premier League football.