'Leeds will look for exceptional talent in summer'

There has been lots of - mostly justified - criticism of the style of football Leeds United have played under Daniel Farke, but after watching Burnley play for a draw from the first minute on Monday night at Turf Moor, Leeds fans can be happy they don't have to watch Scott Parker's side every week.

Burnley have the best defensive record at this stage of a season in the history of professional football in England. It seems to be due to an unwillingness to attack.

It was absolutely vital the Whites didn't lose against their promotion rivals. In a campaign this tight, and with others at the top dropping points over the weekend, the three-point gap to third had to be protected.

But in the Premier League, defending of Burnley's quality will be closer to the rule than a historical exception, and should Leeds get promoted they will need to find an exceptional attacking talisman who can make a moment to win the day in these kinds of attritional battles.

Raphinha and Pablo Hernandez were players built for big games against resolute defences.

Pablo against Swansea, Raphinha against Everton, or against Brentford when he sparked the fightback and ended up in the crowd and walking the length of the pitch on his knees for Leeds United.

There was no-one who threatened that kind of moment on Monday.

Farke and Parker sit second and third for points-per-game accrued in the Championship, and despite United's attacking statistics, Farke is more defensive than the manager who sits top of that list - Marcelo Bielsa.

If you're not going to have an attacking style like Bielsa, then you will need exceptional talent to tip the balance of tight games, and Leeds will be looking for an exceptional talent in the summer.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock