Why Leeds United need to land young midfielder Amer Gojak
According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United are interested in Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Amer Gojak.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Gojak is comfortable playing anywhere across the middle and has been a key player for Zagreb since joining them in February 2015.
Despite being just 23, Gojak has already won four Croatian league titles and has played 151 matches for them across all competitions, suggesting that he is nothing shortage of experience. A regular contributor to the side, Gojak has also given a glimpse of his attacking abilities by racking up 14 goals and 19 assists during this period.
His excellent midfield displays for Zagreb saw him earn a call-up to his Bosnia-Herzegovina national team back in November 2018. Since then, the versatile Gojak has featured 10 times for them and has four goals and two assists under his belt.
Gojak can offer Leeds more creativity in the midfield
Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, who are interested in Gojak, already have an experienced attacking midfielder in veteran Pablo Hernandez. The Spaniard has been in sensational form this season for the Whites and has been one of the key players who have helped the team earn promotion back to the Premier League after 16 long years.
Hernandez scored an impressive 9 goals and provided 7 assists this season, making him one of Bielsa’s most preferred players in the current Leeds line-up.
However, Hernandez turned 35 last April and is clearly nearing the end of his long career. Also, only time can tell if the veteran playmaker could live up to the challenges posed by the more physically demanding Premier League next season.
Apart from Hernandez, Leeds only have youngster Tyler Roberts as a back-up in the attacking midfield role. Roberts, however, has not been the best of performers for Leeds, managing just three goals and one assist despite appearing 22 times for them in the Championship this season.
Moreover, he is only 21 and needs time to develop his game. Hence, at such a crucial juncture as this, Leeds’ decision to land Gojak seems like a wise move as he can clearly offer them more options in the midfield next season.
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Verdict
Leeds United lack depth in advanced midfield and this could affect the side if they wish to stay in the top-flight next season. Though Hernandez is in the best of forms, Premier League could pose an entirely different challenge. Hence, roping in young Gojak seems like a safe option going forward.
