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Leeds Season (so far) Ratings: Barry Douglas

A signing I thought was a guaranteed winner, and he hasn’t been bad, but he has been disappointing.

Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday - Sky Bet Championship - Elland Road Photo by Dave Howarth/PA Images via Getty Images

Scotland international (although with only one cap due to Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney) Barry Douglas should, on paper, be a comfortable first choice for Leeds United at left-back. It is therefore telling that he is now behind both Stuart Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski for that position.

Only four starts this season and a further seven appearances off the bench in the league this season and in no games has he been so good that you thought “he has to start the next game”, although there are some good performances.

It is fair to point out that injuries have played a large part. Douglas did start the first three league games of the season before his injury and was playing fairly well - his passing inside from left-back was a particular strength during this time.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Arsenal (A) - Not a lot of starts to choose from, but given he was up against Ivory Coast international (and more importantly £72m worth of) Nicolas Pepe he held up very well defensively. He was also classy on the ball throughout. I could argue he had more impact on the game away at Wigan Athletic early in the season - but the standard of opposition makes a difference.

WORST PERFORMANCE

Sheffield Wednesday (H) - The next game following his best performance of the season. Got a deserved start following the FA Cup game but gave the ball away too much and got beaten by on-loan Newcastle United Winger Jacob Murphy too easily and too often. Substituted before the hour-mark.

SEASON (so far) RATING

After his solid start was curtailed by injuries his form hasn’t got back to the level a player of his ability should. We haven’t seen the Wolverhampton Wanderers version of Barry Douglas since he signed, although he hasn’t been terrible. If he is able to train well during the coronavirus lockdown, he could well come back in great shape with a point to prove. 5.5/10