Eddie Nketiah sent out a real statement to Marcelo Bielsa during the international break, as the on-loan forward netted a hat-trick against Andorra for the England under 21's in their Euro qualifier.Â
Speaking in an interview after the game (quotes sourced from Sky Sports), Nketiah admitted that he isn't content with a place on the substitutes bench with Leeds, and feels as though he is good enough to be featuring on a more regular basis for the promotion-chasing Whites.
"Obviously, I will never be happy with being on the bench. I want to play. I pride myself on being in the team. I think I am good enough to be in the team.
"All I can do is put in the performances that I do. When I come on [to] try and contribute and I think with the chances I have had, I have done really well."
Leeds United's owner Andrea Radrizzani has weighed in with his verdict on Nketiah's latest comments, and claims that the article isn't a direct translation of the quotes from the on-loan Arsenal youngster.
It certainly wouldn't come as a surprise to see Nketiah wanting more game time for Leeds, as he's been restricted to starts in the cup competitions so far this term.
The 20-year-old is yet to start a league game for the Whites, which has led to reports emerging that Arsenal were considering recalling Nketiah from his loan spell in January.
It'll be interesting to see whether Marcelo Bielsa hands him a much-deserved start in the league on Saturday, when Leeds are next in action against Birmingham City.
The Verdict:Â
Leeds need to be careful here.
It's clear to see that Nketiah is a player with something about him, and Bielsa is making a mistake in not starting him in their league campaign to date.
Bamford hasn't been at his best in front of goal, so it should be a no-brainer for the Leeds boss to hand the Arsenal loanee a start this weekend against Birmingham.
Radrizzani should know that Nketiah isn't going to be content with his game time, and he could be in for a rude awakening in the January transfer window, as it wouldn't come as a surprise to see the Gunner recall him back from his loan spell at Elland Road.
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