Former Leeds United head coach Neil Redfearn feels Hadi Sacko’s blistering pace going forward could give Thomas Christiansen’s team fresh impetus in attack this season.
The 23-year-old has struggled for minutes this season under Christiansen, but played a key role in Leeds’ EFL Cup win over Burnley on Tuesday night after he scored the opening goal of the match.
His pace up front kept the Burnley defence on edge from the time he came on in the second half and Redfearn believes the winger made sure that he remains in the thoughts of the Leeds manager.
He admits Sacko didn’t do himself any favours with his attitude earlier in the season, but the former Leeds boss believes his pace up front will add a different dimension to the team’s attack if given opportunities.
Asked if Sacko deserves a place in the side going forward, Redfearn said on Radio Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Football Show: “Don’t know whether he deserves a place or not but he has done himself a world of good.
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“I thought he was excellent when he came on and think he has been a bit up and down this season.
“He is still young but I think he didn’t do himself in favours as it looked like he was sulking at Bolton [on the opening day] and his introduction was a bit of a mess.
“The advent of him coming on and [Pablo] Hernandez coming on gives Leeds fresh impetus as it looked a little stale going forward.
“That sort of blistering pace frightens defenders to death and he can change a game.”
It remains to be seen whether Sacko returns to the squad when Leeds host Ipswich Town at Elland Road on Saturday.
