Kemar Roofe has enjoyed his best season as a Leeds United player under Marcelo Bielsa, with the Argentine transforming the inconsistent forward into a key part of his promotion-chasing squad.  

Leeds had gone big to sign Patrick Bamford during the summer transfer window, with the 25-year-old arriving at Elland Road in a deal that could rise to £10m. So, when Roofe started the season as Bielsa’s focal point in attack, it came as a slight surprise.

However, his start to the season was superb and any doubters questioning Bielsa were quickly silenced when Roofe struck four goals in the opening four games of the Championship campaign. His brace against Derby was terrific, his solo goal against Rotherham lit up Elland Road, whilst he was in the right place at the right time against Swansea.

The 26-year-old has scored another 10 goals since that run and remains Leeds’ top goalscorer with 14 goals in 29 outings. Injuries have meant he hasn’t played as much as he would’ve liked, but a return of a goal every 162 minutes is good and Roofe will be pleased.

But, alarmingly, Roofe hasn’t scored since Leeds’ 2-0 win over Derby on January 11, meaning it is eight outings without a goal for Bielsa’s top goalscorer.

Firstly, you’ve got to acknowledge that Roofe missed a seven game period through injury, whilst his return to action has seen him behind Bamford in the pecking order.

[ad_pod ]

However, it is a concern that he’s not scoring goals like he did in August and December at a crucial stage of the season. It has been levelled at Bielsa’s side all season that they aren’t clinical enough, and ultimately the bulk of that blame will be directed at Roofe and Bamford.

Bielsa has experimented with both in the side on occasions this season, but the form of Tyler Roberts in the No.10 role now means it is one or the other. Bamford has the shirt at the minute, and whilst two goals in six appearances is hardly convincing form, Leeds are playing well enough with him as the focal point of attack.

It is how many expected Leeds to line-up after Bielsa bought Bamford, but in truth, Roofe's form has probably played a part in that decision. He will know it will only be goals that get him back in the side during the remaining four fixtures of the Championship season.