With a top half finish already secured, Leeds United’s first season back in the big time has been a huge success. But there’s no time to rest. With the dreaded second-season-syndrome facing Leeds next year, Marcelo Bielsa will already be looking towards how he can improve the side for next season.
The Whites made some fantastic signings last summer, with the likes of Raphinha and Diego Llorente having brilliant campaigns and more should be expected this year.
So today, we’re looking at how Leeds United’s starting XI could look next season.
Goalkeeper: Ilian Meslier
Whilst it was always clear Meslier had potential, few predicted that the Frenchman would look this comfortable in the topflight so soon. After making his loan deal permanent last summer for just £5 million, the 21-year-old has kept 11 clean sheets in 35 games whilst making a whopping 140 saves. There’s no doubt that Meslier will start in goal next season.
Right-Back: Luke Ayling
True leaders are hard to come by, but Leeds have got one in Luke Ayling. Ayling serves as vice captain and has been a comforting presence at the back for Leeds, helping the younger players such as Pascal Struijk and Ilian Meslier acclimatise to the Premier League. Ayling has become a fan favourite at Elland Road, and will almost certainly line-up for the Whites next season.
Centre-Back: Diego Llorente
Llorente missed most of the first half of the season, only making one appearance in 2020. But since he’s become a regular in the side, Leeds’ defence has improved astronomically. United have conceded the fewest goals over the last 10 games and a large part of that is down to Llorente. The Spaniard has had an unbelievable season and will only get better.
Centre-Back: Pascal Struijk
Whilst Robin Koch may be Leeds’ second-best centre back, Bielsa opts to use a left footer on this side of the defence and my pick is Pascal Struijk. Despite barely featuring in the promotion campaign, injuries forced Struijk to adapt to the Premier League quickly and he did exactly that. Liam Cooper is the captain and he will still play a great deal, but Struijk will make plenty of appearances too as he continues to develop into a fine centre-half.
Left-Back: Romain Perraud
With Alioski likely leaving the club this summer and Stuart Dallas becoming a top Premier League midfielder, Leeds will be in the market for a new left-back this summer. They’ve been linked with Stade Brest fullback Perraud, who has impressed in Ligue 1 this season. The Frenchman has made 7 assists so far this season, which is an impressive return for a left back. He would be a great addition to a forward-thinking Leeds team.
Defensive Midfielder: Kalvin Phillips
If there’s one player who is nailed on to start for Leeds next season, it’s boyhood fan Kalvin Phillips. Bielsa has transformed Phillips into one of the best defensive midfielders in the league. Phillips was rewarded for his improvement at the start of the season with an England callup and looks set to join the squad for the Euros. At 25 years old, Phillips is only going to get better and looks set to be a mainstay in the Leeds and England teams for years to come.
Right-Mid: Raphinha
What can you say about Raphinha that hasn’t been said already? Signing from Renne for a measly £17 million, the Brazilian winger has been one of the best signings of the season. He has explosive pace, silky skills, a fantastic range of passing and deadly shooting. Raphinha is a defender’s worst nightmare and will undoubtedly start for the Whites next season.
Centre-Mid: Stuart Dallas
Starting the season at left back, it’s well known that Stuart Dallas is the ultimate utility player. But with his performances in centre midfield being so strong this season, he seems to have nailed down that spot for his own. Scoring a whopping 8 goals this season, including a double against champions Manchester City, he’s a contender for Leeds’ player of the season, and will definitely be a key man next campaign.
Centre-Mid: Teun Koopmeiners
Whilst many Leeds fans would love to see Rodrigo De Paul here, we find it unlikely that Leeds will pay the £35 million+ asking price Udinese have set for him. Koopmeiners, meanwhile, would hardly be a poor signing and is much more likely. The 23-year-old has impressed for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie this season, contributing with a huge 15 goals. The likes of Liverpool are also interested in the Dutchman, but if Leeds could pull this off, they would be in a wonderful position going into next season.
Left-Mid: Jack Harrison
Having spent the last 3 seasons on loan from Manchester City, Harrison is set to join the club permanently for a fee in the region of £10 million and that can only be described as a coup. No English midfielder has been involved in more goals than Harrison this season. He has 8 goals and 8 assists to his name in his debut Premier League campaign.
Striker: Rodrigo
Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford will be fighting for the starting striker spot next season, giving Marcelo Bielsa one of the best problems a manager can have. Bamford has had a phenomenal campaign scoring 16 goals. As far as English strikers go, only Harry Kane has scored more. But Rodrigo brings European quality to the table, which he showed against Burnley with 2 brilliantly taken goals and I fancy him to be seen as the main man up front next year. That said, Bielsa has found a way to integrate them both into the same side. On Tuesday, Rodrigo assisted Bamford’s goal against Southampton after all. So, don’t be surprised if the Argentine finds a way to play the pair together.
