The temper of Leeds United’s Samuel Saiz strikes again

Once again, Leeds United’s Samuel Saiz made headlines for all the wrong reasons during Saturday’s 2-1 win against Barnsley FC. Saiz, after a rather poor match, threw a tantrum on the sideline when he was subbed off in the 83rd minute, kicking a water bottle among other things. He had been hot-headed all game, drawing the ire of youngsters Bailey Peacock-Ferrell and Ronaldo Vieira, and got into it with the head referee multiple times.

Saiz finished the game with only 52 touches, ahead of only Kemar Roofe, who had 45. He was also held to zero shots on target, along with only one key pass completed during his 83 minutes of playing time. At one point he let a Barnsley player dribble around him all too easily in the box, causing Bailey Peacock-Ferrell to really lay into him.

His behavior caught the attention of Former Leeds Striker and BBC Radio commentator Noel Whelan during the broadcast of the game, who suggested that the midfielder deserves to be sold.

“Yes, he’s got skill, but do you need that around? Do you really need people like that that think they’re above the manager and above the other players? No, you do not.”

Of course, this is not the first time that Saiz’s antics have gotten him into trouble. He was just recently suspended for six games after spitting on a Newport County player during their FA Cup match. He has struggled since returning, only registering 2 assists through 11 games.

It was an odd time for the 27 year-old to be upset, as Leeds were well on their way to their third win since Paul Heckingbottom became manager. It is also worth noting that it is unclear whether the outburst was caused by Heckingbottom’s decision to take off Saiz, or if Saiz was simply frustrated with his own poor play.

Though Saiz tends to be prone to outbursts, the creative midfielder can be quite an asset for a Leeds team desperate for promotion next season. His form may have dropped considerably since his return from suspension, but Samuel Saiz can still become the star that Leeds thought he might be when he started the season with 9 goals and 5 assists in 21 matches.