Former England forward Kevin Phillips believes that Leeds United's decision to sign Daniel James has 'backfired' and admitted they should've brought in another striker instead.
The Whites have had a difficult start to the season, winning just three of their opening 18 Premier League matches and currently sit in 15th, just five points above the relegation zone.
However, Marcelo Bielsa's side have had a number of key injuries and were without the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford for the game against Arsenal on Saturday.
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Nevertheless, Leeds' summer recruitment has been criticised after they made just four additions - one of which was James in a £25m deadline day switch from Manchester United.
Junior Firpo also joined in the window from Barcelona, while Jack Harrison signed on a permanent deal and Kristoffer Klaesson made the move from his native Norway.
But Phillips, who won the Golden Boot after scoring 30 goals for Sunderland during the 1999/00 campaign, has questioned why the Whites chose to bring in James, rather than recruit a 'quality striker' who could've helped support Bamford up front.
Raphinha is Leeds' top scorer with eight to his name, while no other player has found the net more than two times this term.
"I've said that all along," Phillips told Football Insider. "I don't think that was an area which needed strengthening. You've got Jack Harrison and Raphinha, two quality players – as well as others who can fill in.
“I thought it would backfire if they didn't bring in that other recognised goalscorer – and it has. He's played Dan James down the middle, but he's never a striker in a million years.
“It's just papering over the cracks at the moment. Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas are hardly setting the world alight as well in midfield.
"They should have used that money to go and get a quality striker who could have challenged Bamford or come in when he’s out the team. That would have given them a real chance of staying in this league."
Leeds' 4-1 defeat at home to Arsenal on the weekend was their third in a row after they were beaten at title challengers Chelsea and Manchester City.
It doesn't get much easier for the Whites, who are set to travel to Liverpool on Boxing Day, before they host Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa on Tuesday, December 28.
This is all ahead of a crunch clash with Burnley in the New Year and a home game against Newcastle United.
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