Leeds United is facing significant struggles at the top end of the pitch, with only one goal scored in four Premier League games this season, courtesy of a penalty from Lukas Nmecha against Everton. The team’s inability to score from open play has raised concerns about their attacking prowess.
Attacking Woes
- Goals scored per game: 0.3 (19th in the Premier League)
- Open play goals per game: 0.0 (Joint-20th)
- Shots on target per game: 2.0 (20th)
The Ramazani Factor
Largie Ramazani’s absence has been felt, with the Belgian winger impressing on loan at Valencia in LaLiga. Despite limited minutes in the Championship last season, Ramazani averaged 0.92 goals and assists per 90 minutes, scoring six goals and providing two assists. He has already set up one goal in two games for Valencia, highlighting the attacking spark Leeds currently lacks ¹.
The Caprile Conundrum
The club’s decision to sell goalkeeper Elia Caprile to Bari for £1.4m in 2022 has proven to be a significant misstep. Caprile has since established himself as a reliable shot-stopper in the Serie A, playing for Napoli, Empoli, and Cagliari. He:
- Saved 75% of shots on his goal for Empoli in the Serie A
- Prevented 3.33 xG and saved 70% of shots on his goal for Napoli and Cagliari combined
In contrast, new signing Lucas Perri, who cost £15.6m, has struggled, and Caprile’s current valuation stands at £7.8m. Leeds could have potentially avoided the £15.6m investment in Perri if they had retained Caprile ¹.
