There’s a buzz around Leeds United about Jean-Kevin Augustin.

Leeds signed Augustin in January but are yet to see the best of the striker, who has failed to displace Patrick Bamford in the starting XI and pre-postponement was hampered by a hamstring injury.

There are nine game of the season remaining still and Augustin looks in top condition and ready to make an impact in the Championship.

However, Football Insider report how it will be an uphill battle for Augustin to displace Bamford in the starting line-up still.

Marcelo Bielsa has had unwavering faith in Bamford nearly all season and it will come as little surprise to most if he is lining up when the season starts again.

There are pros and cons to that stance on Augustin, though.

We take a look at those here…

Pro: Side before self

Leeds’ attack has been built around Bamford, who brings the best out of Jack Harrison, Mateusz Klich, Pablo Hernandez and Helder Costa.

When Eddie Nketiah stepped into the side during the first-half of the season, the attack lost its shape and that was the case when Augustin was given his cameos.

Bamford’s work benefits the team and Bielsa recognises that; he won’t massage Augustin’s ego by playing him if it impacts the team badly.

Con: The element of surprise

Championship defences know what they will get from Bamford, but Augustin is a different animal.

He’s a talent, we know that, but we don’t know much else about his style and just how good he could be in the Championship.

He’s Bielsa’s ‘ace in the pack’ and could really rip things up if Bielsa makes the surprising call of starting him.

Pro: Continuity

 

On the flip side of that, Bielsa is a sucker for continuity and he loves the work Bamford does.

Leeds’ patterns of play were excellent pre-postponement, with Bamford a big factor in that.

The Whites were flying and there’s no need to change anything drastic.

Con: Keeping Augustin sweet

Bielsa won’t massage Augustin’s ego, as stated, but he has to keep his spirits high.

Leeds need him and he looks ready to repay the faith they showed by bringing him in over the winter.

However, an instant snub and Bielsa not budging with his selection policy might knock his motivation.