Former Swindon and Luton forward Sam Parkin has revealed his main concern for Leeds United ahead of the Championship playoffs.
The Whites are preparing for a two-legged Championship playoff semi-final against Norwich City and first make the trip to Carrow Road on Sunday.
Daniel Farke’s men ended the season in torrid form and defensively they looked leaky, which hasn’t been the case for much of the year.
Parkin has spotted a weakness in Leeds’ midfield that needs addressing.
Sam Parkin says Leeds lack steel in midfield
Speaking on the Championship Check-In podcast, Parkin said that Leeds lack steel in midfield which is making them too open.
“I think a strong suggestion is that they’re too open at the moment,” he said.
“And the midfield is lacking a little bit of steel, so that’s something to keep an eye on ahead of these games.
“And I think along with that as well, I spoke probably only a month ago quite hot on it before the run-in, that Leeds had forward players and an abundance of them bang in form.
“All of a sudden, maybe Summerville is the only one who is anywhere near approaching top form. You’ve got Dan James and Patrick Bamford struggling for fitness as well.”
Ethan Ampadu should move back into midfield
Ethan Ampadu was named in the Championship Team of the Season after a stellar debut campaign in West Yorkshire.
He started off in the midfield but injuries forced him into centre-back, where he has continued to excel.
Though, that’s left a void in the middle, so Farke should seriously consider moving him back into the number six role, with perhaps Charlie Cresswell partnering Joe Rodon.
It’d be a bold move by the German boss but one that needs to be considered.