Is Kisnorbo playing because of reputation or because of form?

I saw this question asked on a Leeds United facebook site and decided to write a blog about it, since it is a thing that I’ve been wondering about for a couple of weeks now.

I believe most Leeds fans were very pleased to see Paddy Kisnorbo take the field in our last game against champions QPR last season; I know that most Leeds fans were annoyed when rumors of his departure from Elland Road started flourishing on various web sites. Crystal Palace among others were interested in taking him on after Leeds decided that they wanted him to prove his fitness before offering him an extended deal. The relief among Leeds fans was big when it was announced that Paddy and Leeds had agreed on a new deal, meaning he could help lead us back into the Premier League this season.

When Paddy came on against QPR I thought he looked slow and a long way away from the player I remembered, but I also knew that he was coming back from a career-threatening injury so I was sure that a good pre-season with loads of fitness would bring him back to the great player he was before the injuries. The question, after 6 games of the season is, will Paddy ever be the same player? I still think he looks insecure, he is slow in both mind and feet, and what we need from a player like him is leading by example, in a positive way, not the way he is doing right now. With a new goalkeeper behind him and two young and very talented backs beside him, him and the other central defender, being O’Dea, O’Brien, Bruce or Bromby needs to show more experience and coolness in their game. The Kisnorbo we saw before the injury was different, he was going after every ball and fighting till blood streamed down his face – maybe he just needs to put his bandages back on? The “new” Kisnorbo is a player that I suddenly feel we could do without, I believe that if Alex Bruce was given a fair chance he would do more good for the team then Kisnorbo is right now – and knowing how Ken Bates feels about high earning players, he must certainly feel that we could do without him too. Next chance for Kisnorbo to find his feet is Saturday against Bristol, followed by Manchester Uniteds visit at Elland Road, hopefully he will be better in that game, otherwise I fear that Rooney/Hernandez will eat him alive.

I sincerely hope that Paddy Kisnorbo will find his old self again, he is a great player (when fit and ready) and is a true fighter, something deeply appreciated at Elland Road – But right now, I am sad to say that I feel Simon Grayson is playing him because of his name and not because of his current ability. 

M.O.T!