The role of Stuart Dallas upon his eventual return from injury still remains unclear in the eyes of Leeds United supporters. While Jesse Marsch has always remained coy on an exact date in which he could comeback, early 2023 is a time period which always feels as though it has been a target.
When Leeds make their return to Premier League action against Manchester City, 2023 will be just three days away, meaning the day in which Dallas could get back playing again very much come into focus. That said, where Dallas will fit into the side is still up in the air.
Early on, there is no doubt that Dallas will be reduced to a substitute role, coming off the bench as and when to build up his match fitness. The Northern Ireland international has played in almost every outfield position possible at Leeds, but due to the development of the squad, one or two of those can be ruled out.
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Tyler Adams and Marc Roca have very much made central midfield a position of their own, while out wide also looks set too, though that has been an area he has been used sporadically in recent years. In truth, it looks as though left back is the only role where at this stage, Dallas could force his way back in.
Pascal Struijk has been first choice their this season, but he is better at centre back. Junior Firpo, meanwhile, has continued to struggle with form and injuries. The Dallas debate has already been causing a fair bit of conversation among Leeds fans on Reddit, and here are a select few of what they have had to say.
@HonourTheSalt: "Impact substitute most likely but you can’t discount his discipline and quality. At times towards the end of last season he was the only starter putting a serious shift in."
@FreakinGrapesMan: "I like Struijk, and I think he’s done better than we could’ve expected playing at LB, but with Dallas at full fitness and back to his best I’d start him at LB and see how Struijk performs at CB alongside either Koch or Cooper.
"Then, I’d want us to sign a proper LB that would hopefully fit in well and hit the ground running. "That, for me, would leave Dallas on the bench as a utility sub.
@laffs_: "Previously I'd say he was our best midfielder, but now I'm not sure he has a place in the midfield starting 11. I'd pick him at LB until we buy someone there, and then he's rotating with Adams/Roca."
@satnam99: "He's had a very serious injury. It'll take a while for him to get back to full fitness and as we've seen from others there's no guarantee that he actually will. Assuming he does then I think he slots back in at LB."
@Linkeron1: "Will be a slow introduction, can't rush him and risk him suffering a related injury due to overcompensating on other muscles, joints or bones even. It will also be interesting to see how he performs coming back in, as his game was less technical ability and predominantly energy and physicality, which obviously could have been majorly impacted by the injury.
"All things considered, I hope he does well, as he's an asset as a utility player and probably our best LB currently (judging on past performances alone) - which says a lot about our recruitment."
Let us know your thoughts below.
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