Last season, Leeds United boasted of the best attack in the Championship, and a top three defensive record. In the Premier League, the quality will be much higher.
The Whites have done a great job recruiting quality and depth in this transfer window so far. Leeds have not even spent over £100million in this window, which has lead to some criticism from pundits. Daniel Farke will have some tough decisions to make on who will be in the lineup for the opening game next month.
Leeds continue their pre-season preparations when they face Villarreal next week.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
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Leeds United captain speaks on upcoming Premier League season
Credit: Imago
The Whites have started pre-season on a good note. They drew with Manchester United and thumped SC Verl behind closed doors. Club captain Pascal Struijk believes the upcoming season will be an exciting but difficult challenge:
“It’s really exciting,” he said to LUTV.
“I think the best thing we can do is go in there without any fear. You see last year for example, it’s not going to be easy. But with some of the experience that some of the lads have then we can hopefully bring that on to the team.”
When asked about the tactics and playing style, Struijk believes the team will continue their attacking football from last season.
“Of course. That’s the way we want to play, that’s the way we want to try and dominate games.
“It’s not always going to be that easy, sometimes we will have to defend a little bit more.
“But I don’t think we will try and change much from what we did last year because it was really successful for us so why not try it in the Premier League as well.”
Struijk to remain at Elland Road this summer
When the summer transfer window opened, there were whispers that Struijk could be sold if Leeds needed to expand their room under PSR rules. However, the club have been fine financially, and even added six new signings to the club.
With weeks to go before the Premier League kicks off, it looks like the club captain will maintain his place in the team for next season.
There will be huge competition for places
Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Joe Rodon is a formidable defensive unit. There will be serious competition for places in there. Last season, Struijk showed his quality alongside Joe Rodon in the backline. Bornauw will be unfortunate to miss some of the preparations this summer due to injury.
Pre-season could determine which of the main three defenders are the starters against Everton.
