Izzy Brown’s imminent return is going to give everyone at Leeds United a boost over the course of the next month, with Marcelo Bielsa’s summer signing finally getting back to full fitness.
Leeds brought the Chelsea youngster in on a season-long loan in the summer, despite the fact the 21-year-old was recovering from a serious knee injury.
The return of Brown will add another dimension to Leeds’ attack, with the Chelsea loanee expected to be competing with Samu Saiz for the role as Bielsa’s central playmaker.
Saiz has been at Leeds for 18 months now, but hasn’t been consistent lately and has lost his place to Adam Forshaw – although there is now a strong claim for him to return after a heavy defeat to West Brom.
In our latest FLW Spotlight, we take a look at Brown’s last full season in the Championship, 2016/17, comparing it to Saiz’s 2017/18 campaign:
Brown was on loan with Rotherham and then Huddersfield two years ago, winning promotion via the play-offs with the latter.
In that time, the attacking midfielder scored seven goals and registered five assists, with some of those goals for Huddersfield proving to be crucial in the race for promotion.
The number of goals he scored bettered Saiz’s total from last season, although the 27-year-old Spaniard registered two more assists than his new teammate.
Leeds’ No.14 also averaged more shots and dribbles per game, as well as having a higher pass success rate, which could be something that sways Bielsa’s decision.
The Verdict
When Brown is ready next month Bielsa will have a selection headache, although that is no bad thing for a side chasing promotion in the Championship.
Both Brown and Saiz should push each other to be the best they can possibly be, but ultimately, it is hard to imagine the pair getting much time on the field together, it’ll be one or the other.
Saiz’s ability on the ball and his higher pass success could be something that swings the decision in his favour, but his last goal came almost 12 months ago, whilst Brown found the net regularly for Rotherham and Huddersfield.
Whilst they play in similar positions, they are different players and Bielsa will need to decide who benefits Leeds the most.
It’s a real case of stick or twist for the Argentinian.
Thoughts? Let us know!
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