Bielsa reveals why Nketiah doesn’t start for Leeds – is it time for that to change?

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has revealed why Eddie Nketiah isn’t starting regularly for the Championship side.

Speaking to Leeds Live, Bielsa explained that former Chelsea man Patrick Bamford has been given the nod as a result of his experience with the club.

Patrick’s initial advantage over Eddie is he has more time with us, more experience and he is older than Eddie. What you are talking about, this polemic, is one of the things supporters like and the press like as well. If Bamford doesn’t play, you will ask why Nketiah does play, and if they both play you ask why Klich or Forshaw doesn’t play.

Nketiah has started the season brilliantly at Leeds and there have been calls from both sets of supporters for the England youth international to start more frequently – is it time for Bielsa to take that risk?

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So far this season, Bielsa has been cautious to use both strikers together. Keen to avoid losing the added creativity in midfield, it looks like Nketiah will have to dislodge Bamford from the team in order to start games.

Both players are level on four goals in all competitions this season, so for the time being, it’s easy to see why Bielsa is favouring the more experienced Bamford.

However, if Nketiah can keep up this form, the Leeds United boss will only be able to resist calls to start him for so long.

While Bamford has the experience of playing in this Leeds side, Nketiah can only get that by starting games himself and there will come a time where Bielsa will need to bite the bullet and start the young Arsenal striker.

His start to the season has proven he is ready to make a huge impact in the Championship this season, but Bielsa has to given him the chance.