Sam Byram is a brilliant talent at Leeds United whom this season, has not hit top gear. Could this be because of the pressure placed upon him by the fans who expect so much more from the 22-year-old.
I think a problem with Byram’s form this season is the ‘Gareth Bale’ stigma that has attached itself to him.
After starting off as a right back Byram has always proved himself as a promising young talent. He proved himself to be more than capable of holding down the right back position in the Leeds United squad and was the first of many young talents coming out of Neil Redfearn’s academy.
The problem being is that a few years earlier a young player came through the Southampton academy and made a huge name for himself. Gareth Bale.
If you track their careers they’re very similar. Both started as wide defenders, albeit on the opposite side of the field. Then both moved forward into a more attacking role and attracted attention from much bigger clubs.
Bale’s career has of course since then soared. Being the most expensive player in the world kind of makes you a bit of a big deal.
However Byram is struggling for form in the championship and is stalling on signing a new deal at Leeds.
In my opinion, people need to stop comparing him to one of the most remarkable talents this country has ever seen. He has of course had a similar career path to Bale but they are completely different players.
Bale is a once in a lifetime talent. Byram is an incredible talent but he needs to concentrate on his own game and not the comparisons to one of the greatest players in the world.
