It is not often in Eddie Nketiah’s career so far that he has managed to string together a run of three starts. But heading into his reunion with Leeds United this weekend that is exactly what he has done, which is showing signs of him unlocking the potential which the Whites saw glimpses off.
At Leeds, Nketiah was handed just two league starts – both of which he struggled to make an impact in, partly due to injury, and the fact he was reduced to cameo appearances from the bench. Despite that, though, Nketiah still managed to contribute three important goals to Leeds’ eventual promotion winning campaign.
He scored winners against both Brentford and Barnsley, as well as a late equaliser at Preston North End – which helped the Whites to an important seven points. The 22-year-old displayed a clear knack of being in the right place at the right time, and a clinical edge when it mattered.
But the area of his game that seemed to prevent him from ever dislodging Patrick Bamford was the ability to link attacks. Given his lack of football since his loan spell at Leeds, he hasn’t had much chance to work on that in real game situations, but his three starts over recent weeks seem to indicate that it is much improved.
Speaking on Sky Sports after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over West Ham United, pundit Graeme Souness labelled him as the game’s stand-out player. He said: "I thought Nketiah was the best player on the pitch today. He was always threatening, wanted to run forward, without the ball, stretch the defenders - ideal for a midfield player."
Nketiah did not get on the scoresheet, but the aspects of his game that Souness praised him for were not hugely evident at Leeds. Regardless of whether Arsenal secure a top four finish this season, it appears as though Nketiah will be leaving in the summer, as he seeks a club that can guarantee him regular game time.
It is certainly evident that whoever is able to sign him in the upcoming window, they are getting a more well-rounded striker than when he was at Leeds.
