Eddie Nketiah believes he should be playing more than he is for Leeds United, and he’s glad he’s had a chance to prove as much on England duty.
Nketiah scored four goals in two games for the England u21s over the break, even though he had a penalty saved. You can check out videos of the goals in our article here.
With Leeds, the Arsenal loanee hasn’t been given as many opportunities. Despite coming off the bench in many recent Championship matches, Nketiah hasn’t started a single game this season in the league.
The striker did start two League Cup matches and scored in both before Leeds were eliminated. Speaking to Sky Sports after the second England u21 game against Austria, Nketiah insisted he’s doing his best to get more chances.
“I am really just trying to do as much as I can,” Nketiah told Sky Sports. “Obviously, I will never be happy with being on the bench. I want to play. I pride myself on being in the team. I think I am good enough to be in the team.
“All I can do is put in the performances that I do. When I come on [to] try and contribute and I think with the chances I have had, I have done really well.
“In the two games I have [started], I have scored. I always try and help the team when I come on.
“I feel like going away with England is always a great opportunity for me to continue to put a case forward and show myself.”
Nketiah has two goals in the Championship so far, despite not starting a single game. He also won a penalty in the game against Barnsley recently, which was converted by teammate Mateusz Klich.
Marcelo Bielsa has to be considering giving Nketiah a chance now, particularly with Patrick Bamford’s extended goal drought. Bamford last scored on August 24th.
Leeds face Birmingham City on Saturday before travelling to Preston North End on Tuesday, so there’s already good reason for some rotation even if Nketiah wasn’t already outperforming Bamford.
If Bamford starts on Saturday and Nketiah on Tuesday, fair enough. If Bamford starts both games the situation begins to seem a bit ridiculous.