Leeds United have welcomed seven new faces to the club during this transfer window. And though many fans expect to see how they perform on the pitch, what they do off it is also as important.
Sometimes it takes players time to adapt to a new team and that can affect how they gel together on the pitch. Adapting well can sometimes be the difference between a new signing being a big hit or being a flop.
Leeds signed Jaka Bijol from Udinese; the defender was a captain at the Italian side. And from the little he has showed in the pre-season games it is quite clear his leadership will translate to the backline.
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Michael Bridges gives verdict on Leeds United star
Credit: Imago
Former Whites striker Michael Bridges has been observing Sean Longstaff in pre season so far, and is a big fan of him. Bridges says what he heard in the midfielder’s first interview impressed him.
“[Longstaff] wasn’t a leader at Newcastle, but he said he learned so much from being under the guidance of senior players,” Bridges said.
“Now he’s coming into a much younger team, he said he’s looking forward to a leadership role, which I thought was absolutely brilliant because he’s a true professional.”
Eddie Howe also gave his seal of approval
Longstaff’s old boss Eddie Howe also spoke highly of the midfielder and his qualities on and off the pitch. The Newcastle boss rated Longstaff highly and was sad to see him leave the club:
“Sean was someone I never wanted to lose from the squad,” Howe said. “But as we know, and I have said many times, finances, PSR, long-term planning mean that sometimes these decisions have to be taken. Sean is a big miss from our squad. Sean was very, very popular in the dressing room, very popular on the pitch.
Howe also outlined how important the midfielder was to his team tactically.
“He did a great job and tactically understood everything that we needed him to do. Days like Celtic, when you are putting two XIs out, you really see his absence highlighted. He goes with our best wishes and he’s been an incredible servant to Newcastle. But we have to move on now without him.”
Longstaff will be important on the pitch this season
The former Newcastle man will be called upon a lot this season. His qualities will need to shine in order for Leeds to stand any chance of survival. He is arguably the most experienced player in the middle of the park, and will need to show it when necessary.
Daniel Farke personally asked for Longstaff as he has top level experience, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out on the pitch.
