Leeds United may have seemingly bolstered effectively in the January transfer window, but they could not halt their winless run in the Premier League as they stuttered to defeat yesterday against Nottingham Forest.

On the road, Jesse Marsch's men once again dominated the ball, but a clear lack of proficiency allowed the game to stay tight. It only took a fine volleyed finish by Brennan Johnson to separate the sides, and give the Tricky Trees all three points in what was a huge relegation six-pointer.

It now leaves the Whites level on points with 18th-place Everton, despite their game in hand. After all, extra games to play mean little when you haven't won since early November.

Whilst plenty disappointed during that game, with Luke Ayling drawing particular scorn, it was instead the man on his opposite flank whose display suggested that their business last month was not as good as first thought.

A first-choice left-back has been a priority position for some time now, given Junior Firpo likely has little future at Elland Road due to his unreliability.

As such, Pascal Struijk has deputised out of position, despite naturally being a centre-back.

Whilst at times he has looked comfortable, it seems of late his influence is waning and he is being exposed with each passing game. This nearly came to the fore yesterday in spectacular fashion, as his recklessness in an unfavourable role nearly led to what would likely have been a deserving second yellow card.

It was a challenge that spurred writer Callum Castel to brand him a "lucky boy".

Although his 6.9 Sofascore rating suggests a solid if unspectacular display, it is inflated by the sheer volume of defending he likely had to do because he was seen as the weak link, and as such was targeted.

His six tackles and two clearances may seem impressive on paper, but had he got them wrong he might have been sent for that early bath after all.

This somewhat overshadowed his toothless creative display, which is what truly exacerbates the club's transfer blunder. Nearly every modern club requires attacking impetus from their full-backs, but their inactivity in the market for this area has left them even more barren.

The £50k-per-week titan could only muster a 67% pass accuracy despite his 90 touches, where he was clearly afforded time and space due to the belief that he would not offer offensively.

It was a tactic proven correct, as he would lose the ball 26 times whilst not completing any of his attempted crosses or long balls throughout his time on the pitch.

He was rightfully dragged off after 67 minutes after fears of a potential dismissal, as Marsch drew to a close a torrid afternoon for the Dutchman.

Victor Orta may have bolstered well in several key areas last month, but he has let Leeds down in the position that they arguably needed most. Struijk cannot continue forever in this makeshift left-back role, and it could prove costly one day when he is truly exposed.