Why Lewis Baker should leave Leeds United and move elsewhere
After making a dream start to their life under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United have been dealt with a reality check in the past month or so. They won four of their opening five league games, managing to win the next four in 12 games.
Despite the dip in form, they are still in good position in the table, with 30 points from 17 games, just three points behind leaders Norwich City.
We have witnessed many squad players transform into their better selves under Bielsa, which is a testament to the manager. The likes of Mateusz Klich, Kalvin Phillips, Kemar Roofe, Pablo Hernandez, etc. have stepped up to the plate and are doing a good job for the team.
However, there is one player who hasn’t really arrived at the scene this season – Lewis Baker. The loanee from Chelsea remains a peripheral figure in the squad, even though injury issues forced the manager to give fringe players a start in the league games.
The 23-year-old arrived in the summer and is yet to start a league game this season (eight appearances from the bench). Predominantly a central midfielder, the Englishman can play as a number 10 or as a defensive midfielder.
But given that Phillips is doing an impeccable job of shielding the back line and Klich is playing like a man possessed to impress the manager, it is very hard for the Luton-born Baker to find a place.
Now, the situation is such that Baker has to wait for his opportunity. It can be a tough thing for the youngster, who would obviously love to play games, impress the manager and enhance his attributes as a midfielder.
The best thing he can do now is cut his loan deal short and move back to Chelsea in January. He can then make a push for a move elsewhere and join a club that actually needs a central midfielder.
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It will help the player play games on a regular basis, see which position he is best suited to play and command his basic attributes.
Doing these things will push him to become a better player, and maybe look for a big move sooner than later. Staying at Leeds wouldn’t be the best solution.