Time To Make Mowatt The Main Man?

Last updated : 20 January 2016 By stillunusual

 

Indeed, with Leeds having drifted to as long as 40/1 at the time of writing in the football betting for a top-six finish in 2015/16, those in charge at Elland Road should instead be looking to the long-term future. And that future is Alex Mowatt.

The forward may only be 20 years old but he possesses the raw talent and creates the sort of excitement and enthusiasm which the club needs to get back to the Premier League.

A return to the top flight might seem a long way off at the moment but there have been signs that Leeds could be moving in the right direction with their young talent.

Appearances Managed

Mowatt has made 22 appearances in the league this season but seven of those have come as a substitute. For example, in the 2-0 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday, the youngster only came off the bench in the 70th minute when the game was more or less lost.

Obviously, Steve Evans needs to protect Mowatt and manage his appearances as his body and fitness continue to develop at his age. But the 2nd half of the season, with little left to play for, will be an ideal chance for match-by-match opportunities.

Mowatt has scored twice in the league so far this season in sensational style in the back-to-back games against Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town, earning praise from Evans. Only Sam Byram, Mirco Antenucci and Chris Wood have netted on more occasions in the league this season.

 

Byram Moving On

That gives an indication of Mowatt’s ability.

Meanwhile, his average of 1.3 shots per game is of great encouragement when considering Leeds only scored 27 goals in their opening 27 games of the league campaign.

Only three teams (Burnley, Bristol City and Charlton Athletic) have averaged fewer shots per game than Leeds after that tally of 27 matches.

Surely Mowatt’s willingness to pull the trigger and test opposition goalkeepers is another reason to give him more playing time.

But it is not only Mowatt’s eye for goal or the spectacular that makes him important.

Obviously he has room for improvement and he needs to develop his awareness. This will come with time. But he is capable of seeing a key pass and delivering assists.

The foundations are there to be built upon to make him a star player in the years to come. If Mowatt is nurtured correctly and given more playing time, the sky is the limit with his ability.

So, now is the time to make those words count.

With the likes of Sam Byram moving on either this week or in the summer, Leeds need homegrown talent as the heroes of their team.