Leeds United fan favourite Jermaine Beckford is not worried by Leeds United being pulled into a relegation battle, despite a dip in ground covered.
The former Whites number nine was speaking to Sky Sports prior to their defeat by Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, with the Whites now the 11th best side in the division, compared to last year where they comfortably led the running charts.
Marcelo Bielsa's side are without a number of key players for their clash with the Red Devils, but know a win would move them further away from the Premier League relegation zone.
Leeds are without a win in their last three games and were thumped 3-0 by fellow strugglers Everton last time out.
"Performance wise, apart from the Everton game, it's not been that bad," said Beckford. "It's actually been pretty good.
When you look at the quality upfront, Dan James has done a fantastic job filling in for Patrick Bamford as much as he can do, you can tell there's not a natural finisher or a natural number nine in there.
"As soon as players like Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper come back, you have to say I'm not that worried.
"The form of the teams below in the league table, there's a few teams that are worse off in terms of how they play and results wise, than Leeds United."
It's been a difficult second season for the Whites in the Premier League, but Beckford believes injuries to key players has been a major factor in that.
He said: "Is it relevant[lower running statistics]? Possibly. That's one thing we've become accustomed to seeing from Leeds United. Overrunning teams left, right and centre. Work rate and ethic.
"Also, you have to look at the players that are out missing. I mentioned before, Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper, Junior Firpo on the wings.
"When you've got key players like those missing, naturally the high intensity sprints are going to be down and the overall quality of the distance covered is going to drop slightly as well. I think that's something to do with it."
Beckford was on target for Leeds in their win over their arch rivals back in the FA Cup in 2010.
He said: "Everybody reminds me of it. I think it's the last time Leeds beat Manchester United as well. It was an amazing day, an amazing occasion.
"For a Leeds United number nine, there's not many better feelings."
