Leeds United have been preparing for the beginning of the new EFL Championship season that kicks off this weekend with a satisfactory performance and a win against La Liga side Valencia at Elland Road. Despite losing two of their best players, they remained solid throughout the pre-season campaign.
The Whites conceded a late consolation with less than a minute to go. Winning against Valencia, which fielded most of their first-team players in this final tune-up before the beginning of the season, will set the tone for a great season.
Leeds United New Signings Shine in Pre-season
Credits: Imago Images
Even though some key pieces have been lost, Joe Rodon was a vital presence in the team as he was the second-best defender in the league, and has been signed permanently. Jayden Bogle, who has been featured for Derby County and helped Sheffield United regain promotion to the English Premier League in the last two seasons, could be good business as the right-back has experience in the Championship.
Experienced midfielder Joe Rothwell is on loan from Bournemouth, and judging by this transfer window, Daniel Farke is looking to build on last season as well as prevent or have little to no slipups possible. In their quest to gain automatic promotion, Leeds United trained in Germany covertly as fans were informed to allow them to prepare as best as possible, playing Hannover 96 and Schalke O4 with no media coverage.
Positive Developments in Attack Despite Defensive Concerns
Credits: Imago Images
Notably, on the left-hand side Firpo and Gnonto combined well with Georginio Rutter, who assisted Mateo Joseph as he cut in and finished confidently for the opening goal. Rutter continued to express himself freely, and the second goal indicated things to come as he won the ball, took on the last defender, and lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Dimitrievski with two Valencia defenders on the goal line.
Pressing led by mostly Mateo Joseph and Daniel James was encouraging as Leeds looked to maintain the high intensity this coming season. One concerning problem was the goal conceded on the set piece. However, there is a high belief that facets and others that need polishing will be ready before the opener game against Portsmouth this weekend.
