Harry Leonard is sending a strong message to Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace, as the young forward continues his prolific scoring streak with the Under-21s.
Leonard netted a hat-trick in a dramatic 4-3 loss to Arsenal’s U21s, taking his tally to five goals in three games. Despite his treble, Blackburn’s comeback effort fell short, highlighting both Leonard’s sharpness and his hunger for first-team action.
Leonard’s Road to Recovery
After battling two separate injuries since February, Leonard has yet to play under Eustace. However, his form with the U21s is now impossible to ignore. With Rovers’ senior strikers enduring a goal drought since mid-September, Leonard’s consistent performances are bolstering his case for a return to the Championship squad. The forward’s resilience in overcoming his injuries and regaining scoring form reflects his determination to return to top form.
Eustace has taken a cautious approach with Leonard’s reintegration, avoiding the risk of rushing him back too soon. However, Leonard’s five goals in three outings suggest he could bring a fresh spark to Blackburn’s frontline, providing a potential solution to their recent scoring struggles.
Tactical Options and November Fixture Demands
Leonard’s skill set could add a new dimension to the Rovers’ attack. His ability to link play is seen as a valuable alternative to the styles of current forwards Yuki Ohashi and Makhtar Gueye. While Ohashi’s hold-up play is strong, and Gueye’s physicality adds presence, Leonard’s agility and quick positioning could complement Blackburn’s front line and enhance their offensive options. With upcoming Championship matches, there is increasing speculation that Leonard could be eased into the first team as early as November.
Leonard’s confidence was evident in Monday’s clash, where he converted a well-angled shot and stepped up to score two late penalties, keeping the match tight until the end. As Blackburn prepares for a challenging run of fixtures, Eustace may find it hard to keep the 21-year-old on the sidelines much longer.
Writer’s View
Leonard’s scoring run speaks volumes about his potential and readiness, pressing Eustace for a long-awaited Championship call-up. While reintroducing him gradually is wise, Leonard’s form could make the difference in Blackburn’s push for consistency this season. With a growing need for fresh firepower, Rovers’ management might find that November is indeed the right time to give Leonard his moment on the Championship stage.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
