When Leeds United brought in Jay-Roy Grot from NEC Nijmegen, much was expected of a youngster who was highly rated in Holland.
His début season at Elland Road didn’t really work out last year, and he fell victim to the critical voices of many Leeds United fans across social media. His hulking presence was derided by some, his lack of goals and drive mocked by others. By his own admission, he said that it wasn’t the best of times for him.
A loan back to his native Holland, to VVV-Venlo, was probably best for all parties. It allowed the Whites to see Grot get proper, competitive game time and for Grot himself to re-establish his flagging confidence. In pre-season he was in and amongst the goals, albeit it against sides that could easily be termed as ‘minnows’.
Up-to-press, Grot has featured in 12 Eredivisie games for Venlo, scoring twice and making one assist. He’s also seen his form earn him a first cap for Holland’s Under-21 side.
Grot is still under contract at Elland Road until mid-2021, and thus remains ostensibly a Leeds United player until that time. He spoke in an interview carried by media site Elf Voetbal earlier today of just how things sit between him and the Whites.
Speaking on this matter, Grot said: “They check out all my competitions and regularly someone from the club will pass to watch a match live.” He also said that he is in contact with some of the players in a groupchat, admitting that he doesn’t post that often though.
Grot also admits that he does keep up on watching Leeds United games saying that both he and his girlfriend see “almost every game.”
The future for Grot is still unclear beyond this season. However, as with Mateusz Klich this season, there is still the chance that the youngster will come back refreshed and a different, more confident player than the one who left Elland Road to head back home.
