Leeds United: Hadi Sacko and whether goals matter 1
By Graham Smeaton on Oct 22, 2016 Ask any Leeds United fan about Hadi Sacko and they will likely laud his pace and work-rate whilst bemoaning his final ball and decision-making.
The on-loan Sporting Lisbon youngster, at Elland Road for the season, is definitely a player that catches the eye with his raw pace and scceleration, both of which he possesses in spades. He has a willingness to run at defenders, ask then questions and make them play on the back foot – ask Sheffield Wednesday’s Daniel Pudil how that feels.
But, admittedly, the end product seems not to be there in that his ‘finishing’ is a little wayward at times, as is his execution of what many call the ‘final ball’. Hadi Sacko seems to make these runs with impunity, ghosting by defenders at times but then it is like a firework on a wet November 5th that fails to ignite after showing so much spark.
But are Leeds United fans falling into a trap in expecting everything to be perfect with the young Frenchman? Are Whites supporters expecting too much that his pace and acceleration should also be padded out with explosive ffinishing and rapier-like passing? At times it feels that way, it really does.
Sacko tweets joy at victory over Wolves – thoughts on contribution
https://twitter.com/miimosaa/status/789878531115388928Youngster Sacko has every right to Tweet his joy at today’s result against Wolves, for he was a big part of it. Actually, scratch that. Hadi Sacko has played, and will continue to do so, a huge part in not only today’s 1-0 at Molineux but also the run of good form that Leeds find themselves in.
Yes, his shots are often wayward. Yes, his final pass often leaves a lot to be desired. Yes, he often fizzles out after promising so much. But look at the bigger picture and what he does provide.
He gets Leeds United on the front foot, driving them forward and giving the side a very real threat and attacking impetus. Not only that but there is a very tangible effect in that he actually provides assists for others, having laid on four goals for teammates this season already.
To give that a little context he has already, after just 14 appearances and 986 minutes, equalled the total number of assists from Charlie Taylor, Alex Mowatt, Mirco Antenucci and Chris Wood from the whole of last season.
He is also second in the team, behind Pablo Hernandez who is on 29, in terms of key passes or passes leading to a teammate shot – Sacko having provided 14 of these.
So, bearing in mind what he does bring to the side in all these positives, is the fact that he isn’t scoring enough goals all that big a deal?
http://the72.co.uk/67060/leeds-united-hadi-sacko-and-whether-goals-matter/