Leeds United (A) | Whittaker's Preview

With Morgan Whittaker, everything is about balance.

Literally, that could point to the gliding running style of the joint-record signing, who after his much-heralded return to Argyle in the summer has scored seven goals in the Sky Bet Championship.

Figuratively, though, in speaking ahead of the Pilgrims visit to Leeds United this Saturday, Morgan struck the perfect balance when discussing his side’s aims, as well as his own.

Let us begin with the man himself. Three of his seven goals this season have come in the last three games; a capitalisation on a mistake at home to Sheffield Wednesday, a glorious long-range effort at Ipswich Town and then, back at Home Park, the crucial equaliser against Middlesbrough in a 3-3 draw, when his curled free-kick evaded everyone and found the corner of the net.

Whittaker is clearly playing with confidence, but says the key is to keep an even keel, and says that goals coming from his team-mates are vital, too.

“I think anyone that scores in three games, you're going to get confidence going into the next game,” Morgan told Argyle TV. “I don't want to get too carried away. If I'd not scored in three games, I have to treat things the same as if I have scored in three.

“I don't want to get too carried away when I have scored, and not get too down when I've not.

“That's what's so good about the team here. It's the same as last year. If I wasn't scoring or performing, then there's someone else that can. I think that if I'm not scoring, I can also assist everyone else. That's the same with Finn [Azaz], Luke [Cundle] and everyone else who can do the same.”

Argyle visit Elland Road this weekend to meet Leeds United, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, and in their attempt to bounce back, sit third in the table, having most recently beat league leaders Leicester City.

A capacity crowd of 37,000 is expected, including nearly 3,000 travelling members of the Green Army.

It ought to be a big occasion, but with trademark level-headedness, Morgan intends to respect Argyle’s lofty opponents – but not too much.

He said: “You’ve got to respect Leeds but not be too fearful of them, otherwise we'll get sucked into the atmosphere and it'll be a hard afternoon. You've got to go there, play your own game. When the smaller team goes to the bigger team and gives too much respect, then it's over before it starts.

“We've got to respect them, but take the game to them at the same time.

“You have to respect them because they are a Premier League side. Against Leicester they were really, really good, but the thing about the Championship is that anyone can beat anyone. No-one would have thought [beating] Norwich [6-2] would have happened for us, so we've got to take that mindset into Leeds.

“As a player, these are the games you want to play in, 100%. And for me, it's a stadium I've always wanted to play at. With the crowd and the atmosphere, as a player, you want to play in these games.

“I think you've just got to embrace it if you're a professional footballer; you've just got to enjoy the moment.”