Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has piled praise on new recruit Greg Leigh after the full-back’s brilliant start to life in the north-east.
He scored his first goal in red during the Dons’ 3-0 victory over Ross County. His strike alongside a Sam Cosgrove penalty and a Ryan Hedges effort sealed a comfortable win.
A good day at the office. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
In the wake of this clash, McInnes has praised Leigh for his contributions at Pittodrie so far.
He told the club’s website: “It was never going to be easy replacing Max Lowe. Max was a real favourite here, with myself, the supporters and his teammates. They are different but what they have both done, they became really popular with the fans really quickly.
“Both with his defensive work and certainly now his goals, Greg is very good at attacking the ball in both boxes and we knew that when we brought him here.
Pleased with Leigh’s contributions. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“It is certainly one area, over last season, where we knew we would have an advantage, but his level of performance has been very good as well.”
Leigh has allowed McInnes and Aberdeen fans to move on from Lowe
McInnes had many high profile departures to deal with this summer. Graeme Shinnie, Gary Mackay-Steven and left-back Lowe.
The Derby County full-back was on loan at Pittodrie last year and was one of their star performers during 2018/19.
Lowe was brilliant last season. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
It was going to be a big ask for anyone to fully emulate him. Not only is Leigh proving that he can be the man to replace him, he’s proving he might just be a bit better as well.
That’s not a knock on Lowe, more of a nod to how good Leigh has been since arriving at Pittodrie. Against County he showed again that he can effectively contribute to an attack, whilst also doing his job defensively.
He is a very well-rounded full-back. Leigh deserves credit for replacing Lowe so effectively and Aberdeen boss McInnes deserves praise for finding him.
Leigh needs to keep it up. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
It’s only the start of the season, so Leigh will no doubt still be adjusting to new surroundings. That means we’ve yet to see the best of him this term.