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If the opening to Leeds United’s 2021/22 season proved anything, it was that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are painfully thin in their midfield.
The Whites saw themselves thrashed by their bitter rivals at Old Trafford, as Manchester United smashed five past Illan Meslier in the Leeds goal. With an injury to Diego Llorente, you could arguably justify the defensive instability, but what was painfully obvious, was how truly lacking the Yorkshire outfit are in midfield.
Populated by midfielder Mateusz Klich, a natural centre-back Robin Koch and a natural striker Rodrigo, the Leeds midfield was torn apart by what was a true masterclass from Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.
The Whites travelled to a tough venue with only one true midfielder in their starting lineup. The absence of Stuart Dallas in the midfield, at least for the first half, was noticeable, but yet again it comes down to Leeds not yet having a truly competent deputy for the lynchpin that is Kalvin Phillips.
In the first game of the season at Elland Road, the 2-2 draw against Everton, Phillips’ impact was noticeable. In the thrashing at Old Trafford, his absence was more so. The draw against the Toffees proved how competent Leeds are with an actual midfield, whilst the Old Trafford massacre showed just how minimal that midfield coverage is.
Leeds’ thin midfield is something that has been discussed amongst fans and journalists alike for most of Marcelo Bielsa’s time at Elland Road, with most supporters crying out for some midfield depth in this summer window. Unfortunately, Bielsa’s recent press conferences will hardly fill those fans with much hope in the way of new signings.
From Bielsa's presser – on transfers, he says further additions aren't looking likely before the end of the window. "A low price means a high price. With good players, the prices are excessive."https://t.co/N0dkH4OOYP
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 19, 2021
Even still, despite the lack of activity from Leeds, some are still hopeful (and/or desperate) that a new body or two will enter the doors at Thorp Arch before the end of the month. Raphinha did sign on deadline day last season, after all.
Though this year, whilst a winger would be appreciated, the central midfield is definitely the area in which a depth issue needs to be resolved. Rumours, as they always do, have run rampant throughout the transfer window, and many have seen the name Lewis O’Brien linked with a move to LS11.
O’Brien currently plies his trade mere minutes away from Leeds for Huddersfield Town, under the guidance of former Leeds assistant Carlos Corberan. A hard-working midfielder, many that have seen the link have been critical, posing a question as to how a Championship player could adapt to the Premier League so quickly, especially under an intense system like Bielsa’s.
What these people seem to negate, however, is that none of the Leeds team were anywhere near Premier League quality before coming under the tutelage of Marcelo Bielsa. Not only that, but Lewis O’Brien has been operating in a system under Corberan that is an emulation of Bielsa’s ideology, in theory at least. If anything, he’s likely to fit into the team quicker.
Ben Dixon, a writer for Prost International and Huddersfield Town fan, gave us further insight into O’Brien and what he may bring to Leeds. He noted that the midfielder is “much more than just box-to-box” in the role he plays for the Terriers, possessing an engine that can see him “run for 90 minutes, if not more”.
He too emphasised the importance of the 22-year-old having played under Corberan, and that such a system can only have been a benefit to the youngster’s fitness. Dixon noted the logical side of the potential move and that O’Brien is a player that seems ready and able to take on the challenge that is the Premier League.
Dixon also said that if you had to present a flaw in O’Brien’s game, it would be his passing. This is something worth looking at in the stats, as last season, the midfielder was inclined to make 7.3 erroneous short passes per game, as well as playing 1.7 inaccurate long balls compared to only 0.9 successful ones (per WhoScored). This, however, is an issue that you can assume the likes of Bielsa would iron out quickly.
Also, being in a side with a passer of Kalvin Phillips’ calibre would only improve the midfielder’s success rate, as he would be learning from one of the best passing midfielders in the league. Perhaps Phillips would too allow O’Brien to model the defensive side of his game further, whilst working with the likes of Klich and Dallas would only bolster his attacking instinct.
An aggressive presser, O’Brien encapsulates the trademark of a number eight in that he is equally defensive and offensively minded. Leeds have that mould of player in Klich and Dallas, but outside of that? Not really.
Klich was off the boil for much of last season, and it was very much noticeable. Dallas was, as you would expect, a constant presence, but was often dragged to left-back and no doubt will be again if Firpo is ever absent from the team. Forshaw’s recent progression from his lengthy injury looks promising, but you have to wonder if he will reach a Premier League level given just how long he spent away from the game.
Again, Leeds United look as though they are done with their transfer business this window. Given Bielsa’s disinterest in bringing new faces through the gate in the winter, Leeds may be done for the season. Whilst fans know, confidently, to support Bielsa in whatever decision he makes, they can surely be forgiven for thinking their midfield looks a little slim.
With Lewis O’Brien being priced at around £8-10 million, you would think Leeds would be open to taking the chance on him. Whether they will or not, remains to be seen, but fans can hope at the very least.
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