Why signing Barry Douglas from Wolves is a brilliant move for Leeds United
According to BBC, Leeds have signed Barry Douglas from Wolverhampton Wanderers on an undisclosed fee. The left-back has signed a three-year deal with the club and it goes without saying that this is a great signing for the Whites.
Last season, the 28-year-old featured 42 times for Wolves as the West Midlands outfit won promotion to the Premier League. He started 38 Championship games last season, out of which, he played 37 as a defensive left midfielder. Douglas will become Marcelo Bielsa’s first permanent signing since taking charge at Elland Road. There has been pressure on the Leeds board to complete transfers as the deadline looms.
Barry Douglas is a Championship winner and a Scottish international. The wing-back is a fan favourite at Molineux, with his brilliant and consistent performances. Last season, Douglas netted 5 goals and provided 14 assists. The 28-year-old has played in the Turkish, Scottish and Polish top divisions with Konyaspor, Dundee United and Lech Poznan respectively.
Douglas was among Nuno Espirito Santo’s standout performers last season. However, it makes sense for Wolves to cash in on him since they must bring in a raft of established top-tier players.
Hence, Douglas is an impressive signing ahead of Bielsa’s first season in the Championship. The player will be aware of what’s required for a team to win the second-tier competition.
In this young Leeds team, Douglas would add invaluable quality and experience. The 28-year-old has also proven to be a serious threat down the wing with his excellent crossing skills often causing troubles in the final third. The former Wolves star also defends exceptionally well.
The Scottish star has immense physical strength despite his small physique. Douglas is a set-piece and direct free-kick specialist, having scored notable free-kicks against Leeds and Bristol City last season.
Although he is more comfortable with his left foot, the Glasgow native can comfortably play with both feet. Douglas is a fantastic player who is quite aggressive when on the ball. In fact, he can block the ball, defend and transition from defending to attacking quite easily. He averaged an 80.3% pass success rate last season, according to WhoScored.
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Douglas creates lots of chances with his great delivery and outstanding creativity. He is an ideal addition to the Whites’ squad this summer. Luring him away from Molineux has been a coup but now, Bielsa must extract the best out of him next season.
