Leitao in fine form

By 4two
February 16 2004

We examine Jorge Leitao's recent upturn in form. Is Jorge the man to lead us to safety?

 Jorge Leitao has been in fine form since the Christmas period. He started off the season with 3 goals in 7 games, then embarked on a 16 game run with out a goal. This run saw him lose his first team spot to Gary Birch, who began to partner Paul Merson up front.

His goal against the Hammers on December 20th signaled a change in his fortunes. Jorge has now scored 6 of his 9 goals in the last 8 games. 

If you take a look at how many goals he has scored at this stage of the season in previous years.....

 

Seasonal Record

Season Feb 14th Final total Div  00/01 15 21 2 01/02 7 10 1 02/03 10 13 1 03/04 9 - 1

....you can see that there is a steady improvement in his performances. He should have had far more than 13 goals last season, considering he had reached 10 at this stage. 

His current run of form is his most prolific stint in a Saddlers shirt since he arrived four years ago. You would not bet against him topping last seasons 13 goals this season.

Jorge Leitao record

Date Game Gls 20.12.03 Walsall 1-1 West Ham  1  26.12.03 Cardiff 0-1 Walsall  0  28.12.03 Walsall 1-1 Reading  1  03.01.04 Millwall 2-1 Walsall  1  09.01.04 WBA 2-0 Walsall  0  31.01.04 Stoke 3-2 Walsall  1  07.02.04 Walsall 1-1 Crewe  1  14.02.04 Forest 3-3 Walsall 1

His biggest problem since joining the club has been consistency. When on top of his game he is one of the most exciting players we have ever had at the Bescot Stadium.  When he is out of form he is useless. He wastes chances and lacks the confidence to attack defences. 

There haven't been many positives since Christmas, but Jorge is one of them. We will need him to be on form if we are to steer clear of the relegation dog fight.