By Ian Waterhouse

The Transfer Window has now slammed firmly shut and will be viewed by many as a blessing. As now we can get on with the task of concentrating on the action on the pitch as opposed to who is going where.

Leeds have been surprisingly active in the summer market and have needed to be as the Whites have gotten off to a rather shaky start.

So let’s take a look at the new players and see whether they can really make a difference.

Kemar Roofe – From Oxford United

The former Oxford winger has so far made four appearances for Leeds after his transfer and has looked like he has struggled a little to adapt to the Championship.

We know he comes with pedigree after starring for Oxford in their promotion winning campaign and at only 23 is a positive signing moving forward.

18 goals in 40 appearances last term proves that the former West Brom Youth player knows where the back of the net and given time will adapt to the league and could prove to be the star of the show.

Luke Ayling – From Bristol City

Remarkably Ayling is still only 25 despite having made over 160 appearances for Yeovil. For the last two seasons he has played 80 times for Bristol City in the Championship and found the net four times in that period (not bad for a defender)

Ayling, has played 3 times for Leeds so far and his experience should help sure up our defence although perhaps not all going to plan yet.

(Ayling in his Bristol City Days)

But I see Ayling as a proven Championship performer and given time will prove to be a valuable asset.

Eunan O’Kane – From Bournemouth

A deadline day capture from Bournemouth, O’Kane made 101 appearances during his time at Bournemouth scoring twice.

Largely out of the frame recently for the Cherries, the 26-year-old will slot into a midfield where experience is necessary.

A Republic of Ireland International (having made 4 appearances), O’Kane should bring a different dynamic to our current crop of midfielders.

Marcus Antonsson – From Kalmar FF

The 6ft striker has performed well since his arrival from Sweden, having already found the back of the net.

He has shown signs of his quality whilst partnering Chris Wood up front and has proven to be a handful for opposition defences.

(Antononsson – Photo Credit YouTube)

Together these two could be central pairing for future seasons and where our defence has looked weak, up front has been more positive, largely due to Antonsson’s early displays.

Kyle Bartley – From Swansea

Signed from Monk’s former side Swansea on a season long loan to help sure up our defence, we are yet to see the best from Bartley.

He has made four appearances for us so far and with numerous changes in defence already, it suggests there may be a few more defensive frailties before things settle down.

But Bartley’s signature must be viewed as a positive.

Rob Green – From Unassigned

The former England stopper has been ever present for us so far this campaign and has made some wonderful saves.

Equally he has been responsible for a couple of errors which have cost us in games.

However, there are not many more experienced keepers than Green and as soon as our defence starts to gel, just watch the confidence come oozing back.

Pontus Jansson – From Torino

Joe Hart may have just headed to Torino but Pontus Jansson has come the other way and left the Turin club to join the whites on loan.

The centre back has made 8 appearances for Sweden and at 6ft 5” the 25-year-old is a giant and should add some much needed height to our defence.

Yet to make an appearance it remains to be seen what he can do on the pitch but with our defence costing us dear expect to see a lot more of the former Malmo defender.

Liam Bridcutt – From Sunderland

Bridcutt re-joined Leeds after a successful loan spell last season making 24 appearances. The 27-year-old is a known entity to Leeds and seemed destined to return.

He adds an element of quality to the squad and ability to sit in front of the defence with confidence. One appearance so far this season means there is little to go on but Bridcutt has Premier League quality and experience which could be vital if we are making a play-off push come May.

Conclusion

All in all Leeds have performed well in the transfer market and there is reason to be optimistic. Defence has been weak but that is an area Garry Monk has worked extensively on so will take time to gel.

If Monk is given the time to bed in his new signings there is no reason why Leeds can’t make a dramatic improvement on last season and even potentially threaten the play off places.

Follow me on Twitter @IanWaterhouse1