The attacking duo of Mirco Antenucci and Souleymane Doukara didn’t hit the heights expected of them in the 2014/15 season. However I expect them both to improve massively coming into the 2015/16 season.
Antenucci scored 10 goals last season, the clubs top scorer and Doukara scored 5, by no means hitting the goal scoring targets expected of them by the fans when they played over 50 games between them. Both started the season very well both scoring the majority of their goals in the early stages of the season. Both then found themselves out of the starting 11, with the management usually preferring to use Steve Morison and Billy Sharp.
However after disappointing seasons I expect both to bounce back, and given the correct chances I can see them both improving. With new manager Uwe Rosler seemingly looking to use a 4-3-3 formation this helps Doukara. He can and has before played on the left side of a forward 3, I don’t think he is prolific enough to be the main man down the middle, but he has the speed and the skill to be out on a wing and cutting in to the middle. If Doukara isn’t down the middle that leaves the space clear for Antenucci, in his favourite position. I always liked the look of Antenucci, and when he was on form and full of confidence no defence could stop him, scoring twice against high flying Derby at the end of November.
Both, when confident are match winners, the problem is getting them that confidence. Both having been dropped coming into 2015 were low on confidence and couldn’t buy a goal. This confidence low led to one of the strangest injury list in football history. Both of these players were part of the ‘Sick six’ who pulled out of an away game at Charlton because all were ‘injured’ on the same day. This left most Leeds fan with the opinion that every player that pulled out of the game could leave the club. I was also of that opinion. If you’re going to feign injury to miss a match then frankly, I don’t want you playing for my club.
However, both are still at the club, and for what it’s worth both are putting in the performances. The only way to win around the Leeds fans who didn’t want you at the club anymore is to play well, and put in the performances. Both can do it and given the right formation and the right team around them both will be able to do it. With competition in both places its going to take a lot for Antenucci and Doukara to hold down a regular starting place, but given the opportunity to play and the chance to show what they can do, then the sky might as well be the limit.
