Leeds looking for a creative spark Calum Archibald August 17, 2015 Leeds United 5 Comments Early in the season and we’re looking at 2 hard-working points from strong team performances, but we’ve seen a little bit missing in creativity in the final third. It’s a long season, and the games are coming thick and fast in a jam-packed schedule that has been warped thanks to a bizarre scheduling decision to show our Cup tie with Doncaster Rovers on a Thursday night. Lewis Cook was missed against Reading after his suspension, and Luke Murphy has been a tough loss to the side, particularly as you look to build a settled starting line-up. The midfield was re-shaped as Kalvin Phillips came in alongside Mowatt and Adeyemi, and what resulted was a solid, if unspectacular performance. And that’s been the story so far, solid, well organised but lacking that ability to create clear-cut chances, leaving Chris Wood working hard without much reward. Of course, there is still another 2 weeks left in the transfer window and there have been signs that Leeds aren’t finished doing business yet, whether that’s a loan signing or not remains to be seen. There is an argument to be made for a switch to 2 strikers, with Antenucci looking in good form in the opening games, it would give Wood some support to play off and give the midfield more options when attacking. This has its negatives though, needing to only play 2 in central midfield would be one, although if Adeyemi and Murphy partnered then it has the makings of a strong pairing, especially away from home. This would allow Mowatt to come from the bench to make an impact, and he would be a very useful attacking substitute to have. Of course, Rosler will be making the point that away from home, keeping it tight and playing on the counter attack is a prudent tactic, especially with the width we now possess, and after 2 league games it is little cause for concern. The return of Luke Murphy could be the influence we need, his impact in the second half of last season was pivotal, his impact in both boxes was crucial and he’s the most experienced central midfielder we have. Of course, the ‘heavy metal’ football that Uwe Rosler likes to play needs time to be fine tuned and a win against Bristol City would certainly settle any nerves ahead of the Sheffield Wednesday game. The 4-5-1 formation is one that looks pretty good on paper, it allows us to pack the midfield, use Adeyemi to shield the defence and mop up any loose balls, it allows Wood to hold the ball up and play it to advancing wide players or central midfielders on the break, and suits counter attacking football. When it doesn’t work so well, is when players use Wood as an outlet to play long balls to constantly, it leaves a gap between him and the midfield and leaves him isolated. It comes from the creativity in midfield, to make a yard of space, to find a through ball or to get a good cross in, and that’s something that will be being worked on. All in all, you’d imagine Rosler was looking for another wide player as competition for Dallas and Byram, particularly with rumours circulating about Byram’s future. You’d be targeting at least 3 points in the next 2 games, 4 would be even better and 6 would really kickstart the season. Leeds will still be without Lewis Cook, while Bristol City are missing Luke Freeman after his Berardi-esque sending off last weekend, and Leeds should take confidence from the solid performances, they just need to find a cutting edge.