Leeds: Robinson drops Targett claim

Leeds United have been encouraged to make a move for Matt Targett in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with MOT Leeds News, Paul Robinson stated his belief that, following recent reports claiming that the Whites are one of the sides interested in a move for the Aston Villa left-back at the end of the season, Victor Orta must do all he can to land the 26-year-old this summer, as he would represent a huge upgrade on Junior Firpo.

Speaking about the left of Jesse Marsch’s backline, the former England international said: “I think the left-back position is an area they need to address.

“Stuart Dallas, for me, is more effective in other positions across the field and you can benefit more from his leadership and experience there. It’s just not worked out for Junior Firpo.

“Whether he comes back next season, hits the ground running and comes back as a different player remains to be seen but, this season, his defensive capabilities have been exposed.

“Leeds have conceded far too many goals down the left-hand side, his mistakes have led to goals have been poor and if they are to develop a side, Targett is a player that is at a level who’d improve upon what you’ve got.”

Orta can axe Firpo with Targett

It is not difficult to see why Robinson believes that Leeds require an improvement at left-back, as it would be difficult to argue with the claim that Firpo has struggled to make any real impression in the side following his £13m move to Elland Road last summer.

Indeed, over his 20 Premier League appearances this season, the £10.8m-rated full-back has endured a rather torrid debut campaign for the Whites, scoring no goals, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates.

Who would you rather at Leeds next season?

The £55k-per-week Dominican Republic international has also failed to impress in metrics more typical of his position, helping the Whites keep just one clean sheet, as well as being beaten by an opponent an average of 1.1 times and losing possession an average of 9.3 times per game.

These returns have seen the player whose defending Robinson dubbed both “schoolboy” and “inexcusable” average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.56, ranking him as Jesse Marsch’s seventh-worst player in the league.

Meanwhile, over Targett’s 13 Premier League appearances for Newcastle this term, the £15.3m-rated left-back has been in sensational form, making an average of 2.6 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 2.4 clearances and 0.2 blocks per fixture.

The £35k-per-week defender has also impressed going forwards, making an average of 1.2 key passes, 1.5 crosses and 1.8 long balls per match, as well as completing 0.5 dribbles and taking 0.5 shots per game.

These returns have seen the player who James Hendicott labelled a “beast” average a WhoScored match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Newcastle’s fifth-best player in the top flight.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Targett would be a huge upgrade on Firpo, leading us to believe that Orta must do all he can to move the former Barcelona man on this summer, before using the funds received from his sale to invest in a move for the much more promising Targett.

AND in other news: Orta can land the next Gelhardt as Leeds eye “incredible” 18 y/o with “so much talent”