How Makosso is helping Luton get their mojo back
- Published
This weekend's match between Luton and Leeds is set to be a humdinger of an occasion.
It's second from bottom versus second from top. Contrasting positions and contrasting form of an unusual kind.
The Hatters' win at Hull and Leeds' late heartbreak at home to Swansea has added to the mouth-watering encounter.
Luton have gained confidence from three wins in five, while Leeds are having a wobble at precisely the wrong time with just one win in five.
Nerves are going to be heightened - which team handles the pressure best is likely to be the victor.
The Hatters appear to have their mojo back. It's taken Matt Bloomfield longer than he would've liked but it seems the team have turned a corner and their belief, which was rock bottom three months ago, has been restored and that fighting spirit and togetherness is back.
It's not down to just one player. Bloomfield has organised the team into a structure and shape which is much tighter, conceding fewer goals as a result.
But one player deserves special praise. Young defender Christ Makosso made his full debut a month ago with the team in desperate trouble. Since then, Luton's points per game percentage rate has risen from 27% to 67%. The Hatters have kept three clean sheets in five.
Despite having experienced duo Kal Naismith and Reece Burke available, Makosso continues to get the nod on merit.
The 20 year-old arrived in January from Belgium side Molenbeek with no experience of British life or English football let alone the stresses of the Championship.
He can barely speak any English and yet he's already proved he is a more than capable Championship player. The Congolese centre-back has a very bright future.
Luton still have a lot to do to stay up. They probably need three or four wins from their final seven games but they've given themselves a much better chance with these improved displays.
The Hatters will need to recreate the atmosphere seen at Fratton Park a month ago when Portsmouth got the better of Daniel Farke's side. The Pompey fans helped their players over the line and the Luton supporters must do likewise.
Kenilworth Road needs to be sizzling to see if Leeds can handle the pressure. Luton should relish it knowing they are in their best form of the season.