It's all a matter of opinion but I disagree that he has been a disappointment. He has shown us both good and not so good but has hardly been a flop.
I see a young player who is adapting to a higher level but with huge potential, and we should always be looking to have a group of players like him in our squad.
I think I recall that you were one of those (like myself) who were unconvinced by the 'these players will struggle in the championship' line that others kept spouting, because of Wilder's policy of choosing the best from league 1. Leonard was player of the season 4 years running in a very decent Southend team, so I am convinced he can come good at a higher level.
Time will tell, but like Lundstram I see him taking a while to truly settle before we see a very good player emerge.
My view on the new signings, so it might help to see how Leonard compares to the others.
Lundstrum: Initially clearly not as good as Coutts, tried too many long passes and gave the ball away too much BUT you could see that he was wanting the ball and kept trying difficult stuff (much of it not working). He’s improved over the last few weeks, plenty of energy and again demanding the ball and attempting difficult passes mixed in with easy stuff. Think he’ll be a success, potentially a top midfielder.
GOOD SIGNING with the potential to be a GREAT SIGNING.
Lee Evans: immediately impressive, plays very similiar to Coutts but probably too many safe keep possession sideways passes. Nice and tidy player but isn’t as dynamic as Lundstrum. He’s good but only up to a level. Never looks like scoring, prefers to play as defensive midfielder taking the ball off the defenders, plays a very safe keep possession game.
GOOD SIGNING
Ricky Holmes: Hardly played but when he has he’s showed odd flickers of talent but at the moment he flatters to deceive.
Would like to see more of him because you can see he might have some ability.
JURY STILL OUT could go either way
Ryan Leonard: Hardly played but when he’s been on he’s not done anything good or anything bad. He’s shown he can run around and make tackles but hasn’t shown any sign of quality on the ball. In fact when ever Lenny has the ball he’s quickly passed it to a colleague as though he’s conscious not to make any errors, so maybe he’s a little overawed. We need to see more of him before making a judgement but he’s kind of been invisible to date.
JURY STILL OUT but early signs are underwhelming, doesn’t seem quite comfortable enough with the ball to play central midfield.
James Wilson; Very underwhelming to date. Has clever movement but his body language isn’t good. Ball never seems to fall in his path, so he’s hardly had any chances but he looks fed up. Desperately needs a goal to boost his confidence.
JURY STILL OUT but looks low on confidence and looks like he’s not enjoying his loan spell. At present will be sent back to Man Utd.
