At the halfway point of the season, it feels safe to say that there is nothing Leeds United can be praised for so far this campaign.
The Whites have struggled to make a real impact in the league this year, currently languishing in the bottom half of the table far closer to relegation than most people assumed they would be.
Injuries have crippled an already poor season for Leeds which in itself has been marred by inconsistency, leaving many fans worried about what that means for their side.
Under Marcelo Bielsa, the Yorkshire outfit became a must-watch team in English football. Their seamless passing and relentless pressure were just two key factors of the overarching ideology of ‘Bielsa Ball’ and the main reason for their continued success in El Loco’s first three seasons in charge of Leeds.
This year though, something seems to have changed. Whilst it is very safe to assume, and no doubt right to assume, that such a volume of injuries has altered their form, the issue may well be deeper-lying than it appears.
At the beginning of the season, Leeds did have some injuries but had enough of a fully-fit squad to field a valid and competent starting 11, and even then, they did not look the same. Their attacking venom had dulled, their defensive shape seemed none existent and it was a strange viewing experience when compared to what people had become so used to expecting from the Whites.
Though they have battled injury for much of the season, the likes of Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips did not seem at their best in the games they have so far been able to play. Much of the Leeds team seems to have worsened this season when compared to how they played last year but there is at least one buck to this trend.
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Leeds’ brightest and perhaps their only shining light this season has been Raphinha. The winger has driven his side for the bulk of this season and they seem to be increasingly dependent on his flair to create any sort of chance. Whilst overall this is concerning, it is a relief to know, at the very least, the 25-year-old can handle such a weight on his shoulders.
The Brazilian’s form has thrown him into stardom for his national team as well as bolstered the already sky-high pedestal on which Leeds fans held him. Rumours of Raphinha departing Elland Road have gotten louder as the season has progressed, but the winger seems more than comfortable to stay, at least for now.
Though the overall attack of Leeds has been disappointing when compared to seasons passed, the winger has been something of an anomaly within his side and has so far produced 53 shot-creating actions this campaign, over 10 more than second placed Stuart Dallas.
With 3.91 shot-creating actions per game, Raphinha has been the clear focal point for Leeds this season. His pace and overall technical ability serves to terrify any defender in front of him. He so far has eight goals this term, with second-highest goalscorer Rodrigo on two goals.
Again, the lack of creativity that Bielsa’s side seem to have without the forward is worrying. Many hope that the return of the likes of Bamford will help ease the burden on the Brazilian, and it most likely will. The fact that he alone has been able to carry the entire attack of a Premier League outfit is nothing short of incredible and it makes sense as to why it is rumoured that many European juggernauts are tracking the winger.
According to reports, contract talks are ongoing between Raphinha and Leeds. The winger signing a contract extension would be phenomenal for the Whites and would be a clear signal of intent.
Will Leeds United be relegated? Probably not. A strong January transfer window combined with the first team returning from their injuries should see Leeds through the remainder of the season. There are teams that are far worse than the Yorkshire side that they should finish above.
Keeping Raphinha on the form that he is on will incredibly boost the odds of their survival. With the position they find themselves in, it is not even a question as to whether or not Leeds should sell the 25-year-old if the right bid comes in. If they wish to kick on, Leeds will need their Brazilian superstar to front such a push.
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]]>After rising through the ranks at Leeds United, Jack Clarke quickly became one of Elland Road’s hottest commodities.
Clarke wasn’t really playing for the Whites in the first half of Bielsa’s debut season in English football, but as the season progressed, his name became increasingly more known as he began to appear fleetingly in the league.
His first real chance to make an impact was on matchday 20 against Reading, in which his side won 1-0 and he played the full second half. This appearance started a stretch of 13 league appearances that saw Clarke turn the heads of the Elland Road faithful.
In this run, Clarke announced himself as a young player to watch. He could dazzle defenders with his footwork, breeze by them with his speed and create chances for his team to score with an attacking prowess that was quite beautiful to watch.
He notched two goals and two assists in those few months, but in a game against Middlesbrough at the Riverside, he was taken to hospital at half-time. It would be over a month until he next featured for Leeds, and despite such promise, he never seemed to get back to his best.
This wasn’t a major deterrent as many teams were still looking at Clarke as a promising player for the future. Eventually, it was Tottenham who convinced Leeds to sell and the forward departed for London in July 2019, not even a year after his first-team debut.
BREAKING: @SpursOfficial sign winger Jack Clarke from @LUFC for an undisclosed fee.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 2, 2019
The fee was rumoured to be around £10 million and Clarke would be immediately loaned back to Leeds for the following season. Six months after his move, the now 20-year-old’s loan was terminated, having made only one appearance in that time.
Over two years after his departure, Clarke is still struggling to make an impact for Spurs and has been loaned out to Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City. It looks likely that he will be loaned out once more with a multitude of Championship clubs reportedly having shown interest in the winger.
So, what exactly happened? On the face of it, you could assume Clarke was just another of the plethora of young English talents that endure years of loan spells before being given the chance to shine for a Premier League outfit but was he ever destined for such footballing stature?
Again, after his illness at Middlesbrough, Clarke never looked like himself. He was sluggish, slower to react and the flair that he had made himself known with had all but vanished.
It’s unfair to outright assume that the illness, which remains undisclosed, played no lasting impact on Clarke’s form. That being said, it also seems that a fair idea to ponder is whether or not Clarke just had an elongated hot streak that finished when his minutes decreased.
Was he ever a 10 million pound player, or was he just a youngster on form whose value skyrocketed through the inflated market of English players?
It’s almost certain that such an answer will never be determined, but something that does stand out from the entire situation is that £10 million for Jack Clarke remains one of, if not the best, transfer fees received for a Leeds player in recent history.
Clarke left at a time where fans had become all too accustomed to departures. More often than not, Leeds would bring a player in, that player would perform poorly, and would be gone after a season. Slightly rarer, but all the more painful, were the instances in which a player would come to Elland Road and perform like a superstar, before departing for the Premier League for a price tag that was scarcely half of what they were worth.
It was as though Clarke, along with Ronaldo Vieira, were two of the first players that both Bielsa and owner Andrea Radrizzani felt could be sold for a fair price and replaced by someone better and cheaper.
Perhaps, in hindsight, the 20-year-old’s sale was one of the early indicators that Leeds would reach a level of stability and ownership that they had strayed so far from in the earlier years of the century.
For Clarke though, it may well be that he made a big move too soon. The winger is still only in his early 20s and has more than enough time to make a big impact in his career, but it’s growing increasingly hard to envision that he will again reach the captivating heights he saw in his career beginnings in West Yorkshire.
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Outside of his first season at Leeds, Patrick Bamford is currently enduring his longest spell on the sidelines.
This is no doubt incredibly frustrating for the striker who, after 17 goals and seven assists last season, finally saw a dream come true by playing a game for England, before suffering an injury against Newcastle United in September.
Whilst Bamford is due back sooner rather than later, his presence has been sorely missed. Though certainly more appreciated as a player now than he probably ever has been, many people still don’t realise the importance and value Bamford brings to Leeds United.
His physicality allows him to not only control the Leeds attack but simultaneously break down the defence at which he runs. His hold-up play and decision making are at a near-elite level, and without that, Leeds as an attacking outfit seem much blunter.
Without Bamford, Leeds have mainly been relying on Rodrigo as a striker, who himself has drawn controversy and divided opinions since his arrival at Elland Road. The Spaniard may be more nimble as a striker, but his lack of strength, at least when compared to Bamford, means Leeds have had to change their playstyle.
Passes in the final third seem less intricate, in fact, they seem fewer altogether. The Yorkshire outfit look as though they hope Rodrigo’s speed and positioning will allow him to beat a defence and meet a long ball fired forward by one of Leeds’ more defensive players, but such a method has hardly ever provided dividends for the Whites.
Marcelo Bielsa rewards loyalty and dedication with game time, and that is an admirable ideology in itself. When those rewarded, however, are of a detriment to the side’s overall performance, can such a method really be praised more so than condemned?
Again, without Bamford, Leeds often lean towards Rodrigo to lead the attack. If not him, then often the responsibility falls to Tyler Roberts. After that though, Leeds are stretched thin. Both Jack Harrison and Dan James have seen themselves as number nine’s under Bielsa, and neither truly possess the playstyle to make a difference at that position.
Whilst Roberts is a striker by nature, his inconsistent form and lack of an end product have caused most Leeds supporters to turn against him. The Welsh international certainly provides something with his runs, flicks and work rate, but it seems to be his loyalty that has kept his place in the rotation rather than his talent, which many have picked up on.
Bielsa knows more about football than the regular fan, that isn’t a point that is up for debate. The debate surrounds why players such as Roberts find themselves with a significant portion of game time each week when they hardly ever change the game for Leeds United. There are certainly more examples, and this isn’t an attempt to isolate Roberts as the sole benefactor of such a thought pattern.
His name arises due to the recent performances of a certain Joe Gelhardt.
Gelhardt is a player that Leeds fans have raved about for some time now, practically from his first game for Leeds’ under-23s. The attacker came from Wigan Athletic ahead of the Whites’ return to the Premier League for a fee of around £1 million, which seems more like a bargain with each passing day.
Comfortable as a striker or an attacking midfielder, Gelhardt has repeatedly shown off his talent for Mark Jackson’s academy side. Fearless on the pitch, the 19-year-old will charge at any defence with the ball at his feet, taking on any man in front of him. Should he lack possession of the ball, he will make darting runs to tire and displace the defence ahead of him, or press the opposition into a clearance or mistake.
Gelhardt made his senior debut for Leeds this season against Fulham in the Carabao Cup. A game that saw Leeds field a youthful side, the forward took his opportunity after coming on from the bench. It was a game that saw Gelhardt slot a penalty home in a shootout, an effort he struck with the confidence and composure of a player far beyond his age.
After sending fans into even more of a frenzy after his showing at Fulham, Gelhardt had to wait a handful of games before his next appearance. With his side trailing by a goal at home to Wolves, Gelhardt was brought on in place of Mateusz Klich just after the hour mark. The introduction of the teenager was met with rapturous applause which lifted the Elland Road spirit for the remainder of the game.
Despite being on the pitch for only half an hour, Gelhardt was arguably the most influential player of the match. His darting runs and constant pressure terrorised the Wolves defence, and it was his run that earned Leeds the penalty that saw them earn a deserved point from the tie.
Of Gelhardt’s 18 touches, 13 were within the Wolves box. He too saw an effort on goal well saved by Jose Sa, which in itself is but a mere inkling as to what he may be able to do in the Premier League.
Of course, Gelhardt is still young, and the last thing Bielsa would want is to rush him too far into too much pressure. The forward, however, is perhaps the second-best striker in the Leeds side currently due to his natural fit into the system. His aggression, his drive, his work rate. These are things you can scarcely teach.
He alone sent Elland Road into a frenzy, a noise so rarely reached by modern Premier League clubs. That’s a sizeable achievement as it stands, let alone when you take into consideration that it was his first-ever league game for Leeds.
With Bamford due back from injury any week now, Leeds will hope that their slow start to the season will gradually ease with the reintroduction of not only Bamford but the likes of Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips, Junior Firpo and Robin Koch. It must be of great relief to Bielsa though, knowing that despite his young age, Joe Gelhardt has proven himself a capable option in the Leeds attack when he is needed.
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]]>Leeds United recently reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup for the first time under Marcelo Bielsa, after beating Fulham 6-5 on penalties.
Fulham’s Santiago Muniz stepped up to the penalty spot and saw his decisive effort saved by Illan Meslier, who turned to face the Fulham faithful in celebration of his team’s successes. Of course, he was met by jeers, but he didn’t seem to care. He had just won a game, and that isn’t something Leeds have done much so far this season.
Whilst their Carabao Cup journey, though still early on, is progressing, the Yorkshire club have had a tough start in the Premier League this season. The Whites went winless in their first five games for the first time in the top flight since the 1946/47 season.
That being said, it doesn’t mean Leeds fans should be in a deep panic over the season their side will have. They will be because they have been conditioned into a state of consistent over-reaction through years of misfortune combined with high expectations, but there are definitely aspects to be considered.
For one, Leeds have had a fairly tough start to the season, having already faced Manchester United, Everton and Liverpool to name a few. Not only that, but they have struggled with injury woes so far this season, with even the likes of Patrick Bamford, who has seemed near impervious to injury over the last year or two, set to be on the sidelines for Leeds’ game against West Ham this Saturday.
It’s certainly a tough predicament that Leeds find themselves in. Though, whilst their Carabao Cup successes may be the only wins fans have been able to cheer for so far this campaign, it has highlighted something else, something far more important.
For so long, Leeds fans have raved about their under-23 side. They tore up the league last season, earning promotion to the Premier League 2 Division 1. Mark Jackson’s men play the same, distinctive style of football that Marcelo Bielsa has instilled into the senior side.
Bielsa has often been inclined to place some of that young regiment onto his bench in Premier League games. He has almost never seemed tempted to play any of them, which may be confusing to some. Maybe he wants them to gain experience, maybe he just needs to fill the bench but it’s not like Bielsa operates with a large squad.
Some younger players, such as Jamie Shackleton, have been used sparingly by Leeds. Others, like Charlie Cresswell, have only been seen once, maybe twice. Most though, despite their talent, had never been seen in a senior Leeds side.
The current injuries to Leeds’ already thin roster caused Bielsa to finally pull the trigger and expose some of his youngsters to senior football. Was this before he would have wanted to ideally? Possibly but football is football and it is unpredictable to an infuriating extent.
In the game against Fulham, Bielsa named Charlie Cresswell, Jamie Shackleton and Crysencio Summerville in the starting lineup. Of course, there were still more young players, but the likes of Dan James and Illan Meslier have already tasted their fair share of upper echelon football.
The match kicked off, and it swiftly became apparent just how comfortable these youngsters were. Playing under Jackson meant they didn’t need to learn a new system, nor was their fitness impeding them. It was incredible to see Leeds’ cavalry show they were more than capable of being called upon, despite their tender ages.
As the game progressed, Bielsa too introduced Joe Gelhardt and Stuart McKinstry into the fold. Now, Leeds fans are highly supportive of their under-23’s as a whole, but there is perhaps no higher amount of collective support for anyone they had never seen play a senior game than Joe Gelhardt.
The forward arrived from Wigan Athletic ahead of last season, a departure earmarked by the Latics’ financial misfortunes. Since then, he has torn the Premier League 2 Division 1 apart with his movement, relentless pressuring and lethal finishing ability.
Leeds fans have wanted to see him in the first team for months now, especially when you look at how lightly they are equipped at the striker position. In a moment of delight for both the player and the supporters, Gelhardt was able to make his senior debut against Fulham, as was the aforementioned McKinstry, a midfielder with composure and ability of a man far beyond his years.
The game finished in a stalemate and progressed into penalties. After Leeds’ senior players had stepped up for their attempts, with some scored and some missing, all attention turned to the youngsters and in particular Gelhardt and McKinstry. It’s probably fair to say that, given their age, it placed a far greater emotional investment into what was otherwise just a third-round shootout for Leeds.
Did the players let the moment impact them? Of course not. Both scored their attempts, as cool as you’d like.
Though he didn’t take a penalty, let’s not just brush over Charlie Cresswell who seized his opportunity with both hands. Prior to this game, he had played against Hull City in the very same competition last season, a game in which he played quite poorly. In hindsight, it was a game he wasn’t ready for.
Against Fulham though, you’d have been forgiven for thinking Cresswell has been playing senior football for the last decade. Commanding in the air, comfortable with his passing, he played as though he was the ideal Bielsa centre-back. What made it better was that his confidence grew noticeably as the game went on.
He began weaving in and out of Fulham midfielders, gliding over the halfway line. Mere seconds later, and he’d be back in his defensive line, barking orders to those around him. As @LUFCDATA noted on Twitter, Cresswell completed 87 of the 104 passes he attempted, won 12 duels and 11 headers, whilst too completing four successful long passes. It was a phenomenal thing to watch.
Bielsa was clearly just as impressed with Cresswell as supporters were, and his recent comments have given the inclination that the young defender may well be in line for his first Premier League start. West Ham are a tough team to beat, there’s no denying that, but with Leeds’ current centre-back crisis, do they really have a choice?
When you whittle it down, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente are injured and Pascal Struijk is suspended following the Liverpool game. Who else could Bielsa really put there? Kalvin Phillips, yes, but it seems nonsensical to move the Englishmen from defensive midfield when in their ranks sits Cresswell, a defender who appears more ready than ever for a chance at Premier League football.
With the recent debut of Summerville against Newcastle and the blooding of the young guns against Fulham, something has been made very clear to Leeds United. Whilst they may well struggle with injuries yet again this season, they now have a full brigade of young and capable academy prospects, each of whom will be biting for a chance to shine on one of the biggest stages in domestic football.
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]]>One of Leeds United’s most complicated and storied transfer sagas in recent memory has, finally, come to a close.
Dan James, to Leeds United, on transfer deadline day. There may never have been such a case of deja vu in world football.
Of course, this is something we have all seen before. Almost 1,000 days ago now, on the 2019 January deadline day, Leeds United had a bid of £7 million accepted for James, then of Swansea City.
The winger arrived in Leeds, completed his medical and media, and then was forced to wait. Swansea had gone dark, completely ignoring the increasingly desperate calls of Angus Kinnear and Victor Orta. Hours passed, patience faded, stress amplified.
Within the final hour of the transfer window, James started to sign paperwork in order to save some time. Swansea remained unresponsive. Despite a hurried application for a 15 minute extension, Leeds were unsuccessful. The clock struck 11, the deal had not been completed, and Dan James remained a Swansea player.
Daniel James deal is OFF. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 31, 2019
The incompetence and uncertainty of Huw Jenkins and the Swansea board at the time had robbed Leeds of their player. It had stolen a project from Orta and reduced the Spaniard to tears of frustration. Leeds’ entire deadline day focus had been Dan James, and by the end, they had nothing to show for it.
Six months later, James made the move north of Wales, but instead of heading past the Pennines, he moved to Old Trafford for around £15 million. It seemed, right there, that any hope for James to arrive at Leeds United was completely lost.
Many think the winger was thrust into the scene far too early in Manchester. Still only 23, the then 21-year-old James had switched to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, with every set of eyes glaring at him in the hopes he would produce miracles to bring his new club back to the pinnacles of European football.
Gradually, he faded from the spotlight and, indeed, the first team. He still had his chances every now and again, and at times would display the starlet within him that had once earned him so much merit, but he could never truly find consistency as a Premier League player.
There was always talk of James and Leeds, the two were seemingly forever going to be linked after what is now such an infamous deadline day in Leeds’ history. Rumours of James going on loan were met with rumoured Leeds interest, and so on.
At the dawn of the 2021/22 season, it appeared James would remain with Manchester United, with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer willing to give the winger a chance to fight for his place. The coming transfer window, though, would see the arrivals of Jadon Sancho and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. If James struggled for a place in the team before, he was going to really struggle getting ahead of either of Manchester United’s new additions.
Leeds, all in all, had been fairly quiet in the summer. Yes, they signed Jack Harrison to a permanent deal and, yes, they had signed Junior Firpo, but they were practically necessities. Harrison was always going to sign and, whilst we didn’t know it would be FIrpo initially, Leeds were always going to go and buy a left-back, especially after the departure of Gjanni Alioski.
Rumours were abundant, with midfielders being the main cause of discussion. Before Firpo arrived, there was much conversation surrounding the left-back position, but most, if not all talk was complete fantasy.
It was clear Leeds would not be spending as they did last summer, where they splashed around £100 million on Premier League reinforcement. No-one was expecting that (or, at least, they shouldn’t have been). Even still, it was eerily quiet, and a slow start to the season didn’t help the nerves of the fans, arguably the most reactionary fanbase in the country.
Then, suddenly, Dan James’ name entered conversation once more. This though, was solid. There was concrete proof of Leeds interest, a value had been decided and a bid had been made. It felt as though within seconds, James had gone from a lost Leeds project to being on the first train northbound from Manchester Victoria.
#LUFC is delighted to ??????? confirm the signing of Dan James
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 31, 2021
Just like that, he was a Leeds player. It almost didn’t seem real. James had become almost mythical to Leeds, a real fit for the ‘one that got away’ cliche.
It is probably fair to assume that, in his time at Elland Road, Bielsa has not wanted a player more than Dan James. His interest was relentless. It is clear that Marcelo has a solid idea as to where James will fit in the team and, as a by-product of that, where players will fit around him.
Now, £25 million is a sizable fee, that is fair enough. He becomes Leeds’ second most expensive player ever, and that is a pretty big label to shoulder for a young player.
Leeds though feel the fee is more than justifiable in today’s market. In a world where the likes of Joe Willock and Emi Buendia are moving for £25 million at the lowest, is it really that far of a reach to assume Leeds have paid a fair price? Bear in mind that this is not to throw shade at the aforementioned duo, it’s simply a needed comparison.
This move is more than a statement from Leeds, it’s infused with personal desire. Marcelo Bielsa, really, was never going to rest until he got his top target, and Orta was never going to forget the emotion he invested in the process to sign James all those months ago.
Fans are obviously conscious of the price tag, and that is a valid concern. Fans are perhaps more so concerned that Bielsa seems content with his fairly thin midfield. Now, Bielsa obviously knows far more about football than the Leeds fans, perhaps collectively, but the worry is still understandable.
It does pose the question though, where will Dan James fit? Presumably, he will start, it seems nonsensical to sign a player for such a fee and keep him benched. Who drops from the starting eleven though? Will Raphinha move to a central position? Will Harrison? The signing of James has certainly opened debate on such queries.
These questions, however, are for a different day. Now, fans and the club should, and will, revel in their new signing. Leeds have a new face, James has a new challenge, but perhaps most importantly, Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta have finally got their man.
943 days later. Congrats Victor ?????? pic.twitter.com/1NIdkFTy3q
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) August 31, 2021
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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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It was no secret going into the 2021/22 season that Leeds United would need to strengthen their full-back department.
Whilst Luke Ayling was ever-present at right-back throughout the 2020/21 campaign, the spot he has truly made his own over the last five years, left-back was more of the same. More of what has been so common under Marcelo Bielsa. Interchangeable, makeshift and often, a weak spot.
Whilst Gjanni Alioski and Stuart Dallas each played comfortably in the role, it’s no secret that they were never the long-term answer. Alioski has now moved out to the Middle East, having recently signed a contract with Al-Ahli. As for Stuart Dallas, the Northern Irishman will provide adept cover for the position, but it’s clear that his talents better suit his side’s midfield.
As such, it came as no surprise when upon the conclusion of the season, Leeds saw themselves linked with swarms of left-backs. Romain Perraud, Javi Galan and Maxwel Cornet are just some of the many names that saw themselves linked with a move to LS11. This noise mellowed, of course, upon the signing of none other than Barcelona’s Junior Firpo.
Whilst Firpo’s arrival certainly suggests that Leeds will have a higher sense of defensive security on their left-hand side, fans are well aware that this is scarcely half of a full-back’s job.
Complete with their flanking midfield partner ahead of them, the wings of Leeds United make up, arguably, their most valuable component. They are the main outlet of attack for the Whites, with one of the four often the bearer of the ball as they look to create a goal. It’s less so a question of how important the wing is for Leeds, and more so if it is the single most important aspect of their football.
Their wings encompass some of the toughest aspects of Marcelo Bielsa’s system. They forever have to be on the move whilst also maintaining a consistent awareness at both sides of the pitch. The winger and full-back have often proved fairly fluent, frequently overlapping and tracking back to cover whoever advances.
(Credit: FBRef)
Leeds tabled fourth for attempted crosses in the 2020/21 season and were forever amongst the highest-ranked for such a statistic. That number is a mere inkling as to the wider philosophy that encompasses them and how they play but crosses certainly seem to be a fundamental part of their ideology.
Perhaps a slightly strange one too, when you realise Leeds only scored eight headed goals last season, with lone striker Patrick Bamford scoring only two of those headed goals.
Despite the lack of headed goals, that doesn’t mean Leeds were any less inclined to keep crossing the ball in, or at the very least, keep the play out wide. According to WhoScored, last season the Whites kept 76% of play on their wing with 37% played on the left, whilst 38% was played on the right. Only 24% of Leeds’ attacking play came through the middle. Perhaps a surprising number to read at first, but should it be?
Obviously, Kalvin Phillips occupies the pivot from which he can spray long passes out wide, but who else did he have to pass to? Rodrigo and Mateusz Klich struggled with fitness and injury, and therefore form, for much of this season. Tyler Roberts grew as the season went on but definitely had some rough games, and Dallas only came into midfield, truly, at the end of the campaign.
Such a reliance on the wing places an even greater pressure on their shoulders. Not only must they carry out their duties as a cog in a Bielsa system, but they too must hold the burden of offensive creativity, seemingly always.
Leeds’ wide men are ‘often the bearer of the ball’ in their side’s attack. Looking at progressive distances from last season, it’s no surprise to see that all five of Alioski, Dallas, Ayling, Raphinha and Jack Harrison nestle not only in the top 10 but the top six.
Nonstop, the wings of Leeds United (Credit: FBRef)
If you don’t watch Leeds, it becomes abundantly clear within mere seconds of stat reading how crucial their wings are. This isn’t to take away from any other member of the team, as each have their own, usually specific, role within the side.
The wingers, though, have to maintain their tasks with minimal help. Often, they can cut inside to assist their central midfield. The midfield, however, can hardly ever assist their wide men, as doing so would create a noticeable imbalance in the team’s formation.
In line with Bielsa’s man-marking system, pressuring an opponent is a vital aspect of the thinking of the team. Whilst all within the team are capable pressers, the men on the wing often find themselves being some of the most active on that front, and with good reason.
Harrison and Raphinha advance to assist their striker as the opponents look to build from the back, whilst Ayling and his fellow full-back are, from the second the ball crosses into their half, alert and on their toes, and they have to be.
This, combined with the overlapping nature of the four out wide, no doubt serves to explain how the full-backs rank so highly in pressures within the offensive third of the pitch, whilst the wingers do the same in the defensive third. Not only that, but of the top 10 most pressures from a player in the Leeds side, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the aforementioned five within that 10.
The press of the wings (Credit: FBRef)
There is absolutely no doubt that, if Leeds United wish to replicate their past season in any way, then every single member of that side will need to be on top form, obviously. The wings, however, may just prove to be the most vital coefficient in Leeds’ Premier League algorithm for the foreseeable future.
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“He named everyone by their positions. He came to me and said number four, I was like, What? Did you not watch me last season?”
Such were the words of Kalvin Phillips when, in April 2021, he discussed his career in an episode of Football Focus with Ian Wright. In his beginnings, the Yorkshireman was utilised as a box-to-box midfielder and had just completed his highest-scoring season when Marcelo Bielsa arrived in Leeds. You can imagine his confusion when the Argentinian manager addressed him as a number four upon first meeting him.
Fans were understandably intrigued, and slightly confused, when it emerged that the Leeds United academy graduate had been training as a defensive player under his new coach, sometimes as a centre-back, but more often as a defensive midfielder. He first played such a role in Bielsa’s maiden Leeds game, against Stoke City in August 2018.
Three years on, and he became the first Leeds midfielder to represent England at a major tournament since David Batty in Euro 1992. It’s probably safe to say the transition paid off.
Leeds supporters know full well what Kalvin Phillips can bring to any side. Throughout his young, yet growing England career, the staunch admiration of the Elland Road faithful has often been met with a barrage of contradiction, with many fans of the Three Lions claiming the Leeds-born midfielder doesn’t have what it takes to represent the country.
Until Euro 2020, Gareth Southgate frequently used Phillips as a holding midfielder, but in no way was it the same role he has become so accustomed to in LS11. Often partnered with the similarly defensive Declan Rice, Phillips usually functioned as the clean-up for his midfield. It was consistently great displays of the fundamentals, but quite a gritty play style to watch.
It is therefore unsurprising that, given the impression he had set for the majority of England fans, many were concerned when they saw his name amongst the starting 11 for England’s first group game of the Euros against Croatia. The match began with anxious spectators who, by the blow of the full-time whistle, were praising Phillips more than anyone else on the pitch.
Southgate seemed to play the Leeds man further forward, in a role akin to that of his early Leeds days. Phillips darted from one box to the other, his Bielsa-like pressing being one of the key factors in England’s dominance of the midfield. It was through his efforts that he was able to assist Raheem Sterling for the only goal of the tie, whilst also coming close to scoring himself.
From there, Phillips maintained his form in the remaining two group stage games, and it soon seemed impossible to even consider dropping him. The very idea became unfathomable, which is saying something given that not even a week before the group stages began, the thought of dropping him was very fathomable to most England supporters.
The midfielder was ever-present throughout England’s run to the final of Euro 2020, scarcely missing a minute of football. He would go on to cover 83km of ground in the tournament, second only to Jorginho for distance travelled. Southgate has always shown faith in the 25-year-old, and this faith is something he has continuously repaid.
Now though, it seems the England manager has been able to find a role for Phillips that allows him to best showcase himself as a player for his country, and it is of great interest that this role is something that clearly differs from his position in Leeds’ team.
Below are the heatmaps of Kalvin Phillips’ season. One for Leeds United, and one for England at the Euros.
Phillips’ Leeds United heat map (Credit: SofaScore)
Phillips’ England heat map (Credit: SofaScore)
Now, obviously, the season heatmap is far denser as there were more games to be played, but the disparity between the two is clear. Throughout the Euros, the Yorkshireman has clearly been asked to drive further forward, something enabled by his midfield partner, Declan Rice, performing as the more conventional holding midfielder of the two.
Phillips frequents the right-hand side of the pitch when driving forward, an area he scarcely visits when playing club football. This makes sense though, as it is clear that Southgate and Bielsa use ‘The Yorkshire Pirlo’ in different manors. The question that arises from this is, has Gareth Southgate unlocked a new role for Kalvin Phillips?
It’s a strange one because you could most likely argue he both has and hasn’t. If you assume he hasn’t, then this is completely valid. Not only is this owing to Phillips’ background as a box-to-box midfielder, but towards the end of the 2020/21 season, the 25-year-old often seemed further up the pitch in the latter stages of games, pressing opponents as part of a much higher line than he has become accustomed to, presumably on Bielsa’s command.
That being said, though, what Southgate has enabled Phillips to do is prove that he can operate as a number eight for an entire game, even still, against some of Europe’s finest. The stamina that he has gained through Bielsa means that his pressing and constant energy serves as a great benefit to an England midfield that otherwise naturally tires throughout the game.
So, from there, it must be pondered, would Phillips ever occupy his England role in a Leeds United team under Bielsa?
Phillips would most likely function well as a number eight, especially in Leeds’ system, but the issue becomes replacing him as the defensive lynchpin for Leeds. Whilst Robin Koch definitely provides adept cover, it’s hard to imagine Bielsa wanting to transform him into an out-and-out CDM. Then again, with Bielsa, who knows?
It’s no secret that Leeds are searching for a central midfielder in the current summer window, and it can most likely be assumed that the player they seek will be able to cover multiple positions, including those within the midfield.
For Phillips to ever move further forward for Leeds, Bielsa needs to have someone behind him who can do the job he has done for three seasons now. Whilst he could never be like-for-like replaced, Leeds could surely use one of their many options to slot into that role.
With the likes of Stuart Dallas, Mateusz Klich and potentially another midfielder at Elland Road come the end of August, chances are the 25-year-old will remain in the position that has shot him into stardom. This doesn’t serve to discredit Gareth Southgate however, who helped showcase another part of Phillips’ game to the wider world in a Euro campaign that, though bitterly ended, drew masses of praise from the millions that watched.
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After months of rumours, hearsay and speculation, it seems as though Leeds United have now, finally, solidified their left-back position.
First there was Romain Perraud, next there was Javi Galan. Intertwined with the two main candidates were lesser reported targets such as Maxwel Cornet, Nicolas Tagliafico and Benjamin Mendy. Leeds United’s search for a left-back has been ridden with complication. Regardless of their upmost faith in their manager, the frustration amongst fans grew as they neared the season’s start still without reinforcement.
Though entirely capable, Gjanni Alioski and Stuart Dallas have forever been makeshift. Removing his proneness to running offside, Alioski was a natural winger, his defensive ability honed through being continually played just behind his usual position.
As for Dallas, he has made it clear in abundance that he can carry out any task Marcelo Bielsa asks of him. It’s hard to think back to the earlier stages of his career, a winger at Brentford that though in possession of versatility, was rarely ever asked to utilise it.
Dallas frequented the left-back role often this season, playing there whenever Alioski did not. His form at the end of the 2020/21 season in central midfield however provided more than enough evidence that his talents are somewhat wasted when he is deployed so far back. Dallas’ continuous, relentless pressing of opposition defenses combined with his natural attacking ability have made him a true force within his side’s midfield.
There was no doubt that upon the season’s conclusion, left-back would be the first position Leeds would look to strengthen. With Dallas’ ability better used elsewhere, and Alioski’s future in the air even still, Bielsa and Victor Orta will no doubt have been prioritising the arrival of a new number three in West Yorkshire. It seems as though, finally, the Whites have settled on a target. Barcelona’s Junior Firpo.
Firpo first made waves in the world of football for Real Betis, making just over 40 appearances in the two seasons he spent there. So much so, that it would be the fabled Barcelona who came in with an offer for Firpo after the 2018/19 season. The Dominican-born defender joined the Catalonians in a deal that had potential to reach £27.5 million.
Since his move to the Camp Nou, Firpo has struggled to displace the constant that is Jordi Alba in the Barcelona defence. Alba is of a particular calibre that makes him almost impossible to bench, and so Firpo has had to live with his role as second fiddle, playing in a small number of matches compared to the playing time he grew accustomed to with Betis.
This, along with Barca’s apparent financial issues, are no doubt the reasons that have factored into the impending sale of the full-back. Despite reported interest from the likes of AC Milan, Leeds were able to lure the defender into making the move to West Yorkshire, which has served as something of a reminder as to the weight of the name, ‘Leeds United’, and the manager they proudly employ.
Again, Firpo has seen his time on the pitch limited as a Barcelona player, which perhaps detracts a certain level of credibility from his numbers this season. Statistically, over the last year, Firpo has been incredible, but with having played so few games his figures will understandably be quite inflated.
Regardless of his minute restrictions, an immediate point of notice in Firpo’s game is the versatility he possesses, which is obviously an invaluable trait to a Bielsa side. Last season Firpo saw himself play as a left-midfielder and right-back, as well as his natural position.
He is also capable of playing centre-back, which was the position he occupied in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint Germain in last seasons Champions League. Firpo was able to effectively nullify the danger that is Kylian Mbappe in his time on the pitch in a performance that helped draw focus onto his defensive ability, regardless of his team’s fate.
This is touched upon as, whilst seemingly a solid defender, this isn’t the element of the Spaniard’s game that draws him plaudits. It is Firpo’s attacking talents that are often the sole focus of his praise and why so many feel he will be a good fit for the Bielsa system.
Again, Firpo has struggled for football this season, so instead of looking at a season of scarce minutes, it seems right to delve into the 2018/19 campaign. Stretching back a couple of years, Firpo was having his breakout season for Real Betis. Though the team did utilise his talents in a variety of positions, he predominantly played as a left wing-back with freedom to roam up and down the flank in a three centre-back formation.
Firpo played in 24 league matches out of a possible 38 that year, averaging 81 minutes per game. Whilst his role in a Leeds back four would obviously differ from that of his Betis back five, he will be able to carry some of his best traits over to England, one of them being the fitness that allowed him to play over 80 minutes of each game.
In a report by Josh Hobbs, in which he looks into the defender as a player, he notes that of all Firpo’s attacking abilities, his most potent are “primarily his off-the-ball runs and his ability to put low crosses in”.
Being an asset on the attack as a Leeds full-back is just as crucial as being an asset defensively. As Gjanni Alioski made perfectly clear, you don’t need to be an exceptional defender to flourish in the Leeds set up, but you do need to be able to make an impact in the final third.
With Firpo already accustomed to bombing forward and looking to get the ball into the box, you feel as though it shouldn’t take him a great amount of time to adapt to the way the Whites play. His eagerness to seek a cross will benefit his side as a whole, with a potential left-side of Firpo and Jack Harrison both equally able to deliver the ball into an ideal zone for their talisman, Patrick Bamford.
Whilst a very athletic individual, the lack of game time this season may mean it will take Firpo slightly longer to get up to speed with Leeds’ fitness than it would have done had they been able to purchase him a year or two ago. This isn’t to say he won’t reach Bielsa’s standard, but fans shouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t seen for a few games. Remember, Raphinha only made his full debut about a month and a half after signing.
Firpo standing at 6-feet tall will too be of great reward for Leeds. A side notoriously awkward at defending set-pieces, any additional height in the starting line-up will be of noticeable benefit. His height isn’t wasted either, with Firpo having won 1.5 of his attempted 2.5 aerial duels for Real Betis in his breakout season, whilst also having won 70% of his aerial battles in his most recent Barcelona campaign.
Though he may be regarded as an average, even sub-par, defender, Firpo clearly has an ability that will only be bettered by Bielsa. The signing is something of a risk, but you’d be forgiven for assuming the risk will pay off.
Leeds are not of such grand stature that they can afford to throw astronomical amounts of money at a player. Orta and his team, as they have done for so long, must continue to search for affordable and worth-while solutions.
With Firpo rumoured to be costing Leeds around £13 million (15 million euros), the transfer has clear potential to rank amongst the recent Orta steals, such as Robin Koch, Raphinha and Jack Harrison to name a few.
What is important is that, for the first time ever under Bielsa, Leeds United look set to be playing with an actual left-back. No conversion needed, Firpo already knows his position. What waits to be seen is whether or not the defender can rebound from a disappointing spell at Barca, and if he can return to the heights he was once at if and when he arrives in LS11.
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Coming off the back of their first Premier League season in over 15 years, Leeds United look to be in a more than comfortable position.
With a ninth-place finish, a solid team to work with, and Marcelo Bielsa looking increasingly likely to extend his stay in West Yorkshire, the future for Leeds is looking particularly bright.
They possess a side that, though inherently Championship quality, have collectively made the leap to the Premier League under the fervent guidance of their Argentine mentor. Leeds’ additions were few and fine, with each new face helping develop the Whites in their transition from a Championship side to a Premier League outfit.
An always rocky defence was solidified by the likes of Diego Llorente and Robin Koch and a sometimes-lacklustre attack was reinforced by Rodrigo and Raphinha, whilst a leaky goalmouth once ‘guarded’ by an ex-Real Madrid player was plugged by a man not old enough to drink alcohol in America when he was signed.
This Leeds team holds a nice balance of youth and experience. They maintain a harmonious environment that has long been lacking at Elland Road. With a strong comradery under even stronger guidance, it feels safe to assume that many currently at Leeds will be plying their trade in LS11 for a while yet.
Perhaps neglected by the wider football world, however, is the current promise of Leeds’ youth set-up. The Whites have long been known for their youth talent, with Thorp Arch’s name always carrying weight amongst the world of football development.
From the names engrained in Don Revie folklore to the modern-day workhorses still showcasing their talent in the English top-flight, Arch’s history is storied, and its alumni strong. From Eddie Gray to Gary Kelly, to the more recent talents such as James Milner and, of course, Kalvin Phillips.
The arrival of Bielsa was only ever going to mean good things for United’s youth development, with El Loco unquestionably salvaging what was an otherwise dark and murky period for Leeds, both in their youth and senior sides. Let’s be honest, before Bielsa, the 2010s are hardly worth remembering for the Whites.
The 2020/21 season saw young players such as Illan Meslier and Pascal Struijk make considerable impacts on the first team, seizing their chances and solidifying themselves as regular starters. Leeds too had the likes of Ian Poveda, Jamie Shackleton and Leif Davis impressing with the limited time they had in the side.
Whilst some youngsters have been making strides in the first team, many have been making waves for Mark Jackson’s under-23s. Jackson’s side were one that stormed the Premier League 2 Division Two last season, winning the league by 11 points and earning promotion to the first division.
It’s no secret that Victor Orta is looking to further reinforce Leeds’ youth ranks with a mass import of talent akin to that of last year. The Whites have already been linked to Bradford City’s Darryl Ombang, Watford’s James Debayo and Celtic’s Leo Hjelde.
The Yorkshire club are certainly looking to build their under-23s, however, it’s important to look at the pre-existing foundations that are strong enough to hold their own and take on the weight of newcomers. It’s hard to neglect any member of a title-winning side, but detailed below are three of the players that seem closest to making a first-team breakthrough.
Arguably the two with the best chances for first-team football in the near future are Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood.
Before arriving in West Yorkshire, Joe Gelhardt had already established himself as a promising talent at Wigan. Through unfortunate circumstances at the DW Stadium, Leeds were able to snag the young forward for just £1 million upon the Latics’ relegation.
Many fans have been calling for Gelhardt to be further included in the first team given the clear capability he possesses. Bielsa and Jackson, however, have chosen to keep him almost exclusively in the under-23s, with such a claim omitting the occasional times he has featured on the bench in the Premier League as an unused substitute.
Joe Gelhardt boasts incredible potential. His versatility as either a striker or centre-attacking midfielder is something that suits a Bielsa side down to a tee.
It was Patrick Bamford who likened Gelhardt to none other than Wayne Rooney:
“I don’t want to say the same level… but he is the same kind of build as Rooney was. A stocky lad. A great finisher”.
Leeds’ number nine spoke well and true of his fellow attacker. Gelhardt, though diminutive in size, holds his own in most physical duels he participates in. An explosively quick attacker, his speed and strength have moulded him into a dangerously talented prospect, as well as his ability with the ball at his feet and his evident striking ability.
His great finishing is best evidenced by his 11 goals this season, a number which was bested only by Sam Greenwood.
Finishing with 12 goals, Gelhardt’s attacking partner Greenwood has developed monumental traction about his potential this season. The Sunderland-born forward has wowed spectators with his natural two-footedness, his ability as an attacker, and his dazzling technique as a set-piece taker.
Greenwood was signed in the same window as Gelhardt, joining the Leeds ranks for £1.5 million from the Arsenal academy ahead of the 2020/21 campaign. Joining from a big club understandably demands a bigger fee, but it’s very hard to argue that Greenwood hasn’t been worth every penny.
It’s probably fair to say that Gelhardt had the most hype of the two upon their arrival. Though Greenwood still had noticeable excitement surrounding him, having arrived from Arsenal, many had seen Gelhardt showcase his talents in the second tier of English football.
Over the course of the 2020/21 season though, Greenwood did more than enough to make a name for himself for Jackson’s side. He made a brief cameo in Leeds’ 3-0 defeat to Crawley Town in the FA Cup but didn’t make any other senior appearances.
It’s clear that both Gelhardt and Greenwood possess an unfathomably high ceiling of potential, which will surely be reached under the combined guidance of Bielsa and Jackson. That being said, it isn’t just the attack of Leeds’ under-23s that hold such talented players with seemingly limitless potential.
Sitting further back from his attacking teammates is right-back Cody Drameh. The former Fulham prospect was practically irreplaceable throughout the season. His profile an appreciated oddity in that he is a thoroughly capable player. He doesn’t cut corners; he doesn’t have a noticeable aspect of his game that needs improvement.
Still so young, the lack of flaws in Drameh’s game is quite astounding. A physical defender, quick enough to bomb up and down the right flank (or left, should he need to), and a willingness to put in a tackle or a cross depending on his circumstance, Drameh bares resemblance to his first 11 positional counterpart.
Well-loved by fans, players and staff alike, Luke Ayling won’t be dropped from the Leeds starting 11 anytime soon. When the time comes, however, Leeds can approach the notion comfortably, knowing they have got a near carbon copy waiting in the wings.
Drameh can patiently develop well aware that, ahead of him, is a great full-back in the prime of his career. With no pressure comes better outcomes, and it seems that Thorp Arch helps players exceed even their best-predicted potential.
The under-23 team is promising in its entirety, excitement is not just limited to the aforementioned trio. The likes of Jack Jenkins, Crysencio Summerville, Stuart McKinstry and Charlie Cresswell are too incredibly talented, and in truth, the whole squad could be listed as promising. Of all of them, however, it seems as though Gelhardt, Greenwood and Drameh are the three closest to breaking into the first team.
Their playstyles are met with unmatched praise, with spectators unable to find much, if anything, to critique. Under Jackson, they have been able to grow as players, both in their own right and as ones that fit seamlessly into a Bielsa-ball system. They already seem to possess the necessary physicality to play in Leeds’ first team and are at a stage in their careers from which they will only better themselves.
Bielsa has his ways, and no amount of pleading fans will rush him into a decision. When he opts to involve his younger players in the senior side, it will be when he deems them ready for the occasion.
Regardless of when that is, the future remains an exciting horizon for Leeds United.
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