Leeds United Loan Round-Up: Week 16

On Remembrance Day weekend, several Leeds-owned loanees in League One got their first taste of FA Cup action this season. Despite no goals being scored, it was a pretty good week overall, with solid performances from well-known players like Jay-Roy Grot and Mallik Wilks. Also, players like Vurnon Anita and Tyler Denton have finally begun to see the pitch more, which is always a good sign. Let’s see how things went this week.

Jay-Roy Grot - FW, VVV-Venlo

Despite not scoring or recording an assist, the Dutch winger had another solid match for VVV, who are now in position for a Europa League playoff spot. Grot had 3 successful dribbles, 1 key pass (a pass that leads to a shot), 2 shots (none on target), completed 71% of his passes, and completed 2 tackles in Venlo’s 3-2 win against Fortuna Sittard. He played in his first full match in over a month and will try to stay in good form when his team takes on AZ Alkmaar in two weeks.

Mallik Wilks - FW, Doncaster Rovers

Wilks had several chances on Sunday, but was unable to help the Rovers in their 2-2 draw against Chorley. He had a good 5 or 6 shots, but was unable to find the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season.

Paudie O’Connor - CB, Blackpool FC

Is Paudie O’Connor injured? Is he out of favor with the Blackpool coaching staff after his red card? Is he a fairy-tale creature similar to Slash in South Park? Whatever the case, he has not made an appearance for his team since he scored and picked up a red card against Arsenal. The young Irishman last played in a league match in late August.

Laurens de Bock - LB, K.V. Oostende

It was a tough day for Oostende, who went down a man before losing 2-0, but de Bock managed to start for the fifth time this season. They have now earned just five points in their last six matches.

Paweł Cibicki - FW, Molde FK

Molde continued their winning ways against Haugesund, but Cibicki was unimpressive and was subbed off at halftime.

Lewie Coyle - RB, Fleetwood Town

Coyle played a quick 60 minutes in Fleetwood’s 4-1 domination of Alfreton Town, likely due to his picking up a yellow card. He also grabbed an assist on Town’s first goal, chipping a cross in from just outside the box that Paddy Madden one-timed past the keeper. It was nice to see the 23-year-old involving himself with the offense.

Tyler Denton, LB, Peterborough United

Tyler Denton has done well to earn significant playing time in Peterborough’s starting lineup, and he started once again in their 3-1 win against Bromley.

Liam Kitching - LB, Harrogate Town AFC

Harrogate were eliminated from FA competition in mid-October, so they were off this week. After Marcelo Bielsa watched Kitching’s game a few weeks ago, the outside back could still rejoin Leeds’ squad to help fill in for Ayling and Pearce.

Vurnon Anita - CM, Willem II

Anita started again for Willem and continued to be average at best, completing an impressive 83% of his passes and doing absolutely nothing else.

Hadi Sacko - RM, UD Las Palmas

Sacko did not make the squad again this week.

Alex Machuca - FW, Burgos CAM

Machuca continues to inconsistently make the lineup for Burgos; this week, he started as the center attacking mid in Burgos’ 4-4-1-1 formation. Burgos have used at least three or four different formations this year, and picking a permanent one would go a long way for Machuca’s and his teammates’ development. It could also be a smart decision due to the fact that they have one point in their last four matches.

Adrián Balboa - FW, Terrassa FC

Terrassa had the week off and will play next on Sunday the 18th.

Oriol Rey - CM, UB Conquense

Oriol started but did not score in Conquense’s 2-1 loss on Saturday.

Oliver Šarkić - FW, Barakaldo CF

Sarkic remained on the bench for the entirety of Barakaldo’s 2-1 loss to Calahorra.

Yosuke Ideguchi - CM, Greuther Fürth

Ideguchi is out for the year with a partially torn PCL.

Eunan O’Kane - CM, Luton Town

O’Kane is also out for the year with a broken leg.