This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Former Leeds player Noel Whelan has shared his view on the prospect of the club signing Rhian Brewster, and it is a transfer which has his full support.
What did he say?
Brewster looks like he will be a striker in high demand in the winter window after Leeds registered their interest in the 19-year-old, joining the likes of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Swansea in doing so – according to The Mirror.
Leeds are down to bare bones in the striking department currently with loanee Eddie Nketiah out injured, and there are worries that he could return to Arsenal due to a lack of game time.
That would leave the Whites in a desperate position with Patrick Bamford the only natural striker in the squad. That may be motivating their desire to add a forward, and Whelan believes they are targeting the right man in Brewster.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said:
“I’d love him at Leeds. He is young, hungry, exciting, well spoken about by Jurgen Klopp.
“If we could pull that deal out of the bag in January, wow, perfect. It would be a great deal for us. He would offer something a bit different to what we’ve already got.
“We need strength in depth up-front. Two senior strikers, Patrick Bamford and Eddie Nketiah, is not enough for a Championship campaign.”
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Good fit for Bielsa
Brewster has been in good form this season and his five goals in nine games for Liverpool U23s have been rewarded by Jurgen Klopp.
A starting place against MK Dons and then Arsenal in the Carabao Cup allowed him to make his debut which shows how highly the Reds coaching staff think of him.
Klopp has previously pointed to his finishing ability and work ethic as two key attributes of the striker. Those two aspects of his play should suit Bielsa, too, and are different to the other strikers in the squad, as Whelan alludes to.
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Leeds create numerous chances per game – averaging 17 shots per league match – and considering Patrick Bamford is often maligned for missing easy opportunities, the team could fair better with Brewster involved.
He is yet to play regular senior football but the same can be said of Nketiah before he joined, and he has slotted in well and contributed key goals, such as the winner against Brentford.
It is clear Leeds need greater firepower up-front having scored just 23 goals in 17 league games, and more competition should lead to an improvement in individual performances while allowing Bielsa to mix things up should he see fit.
Arriving on a six-month loan would be risk-free for both parties and since Brewster harbours ambitions of breaking into the Liverpool first-team, he should play with determination and an eagerness to impress that should serve Leeds well.
Meanwhile, our team of Football FanCast writers have also given their verdict as to whether the Liverpool man would be a good addition for Bielsa’s team.
