Leeds United did some decent business early in the transfer window solving the problems they had at left-back with the arrival of Junior Firpo and replacing Kiko Casilla with exciting young keeper Kristoffer Klaesson.
However, transfer activity has slowed down in recent weeks leaving Leeds light of a midfielder and a winger to add much needed depth to their squad.
So, today we’re considering what transfer activity we could see Leeds undertake in the coming weeks and how that could affect their starting XI.
Goalkeeper: Illan Meslier
There was no doubt about this pick. Meslier is easily number one however Leeds fans will be hoping Klaesson’s presence in the squad will put pressure on the young Frenchman to improve even more. He registered double figures in terms of clean sheets last season and racked up the saves. Arguably, the league’s best young keeper, he’ll kick on again this season.
Right-Back: Luke Ayling
One of the most underrated players in the league. Only valued at £4.5 million, the things he does for the Whites makes him worth at least 10 times that. He’s a great leader and always inspires his teammates which is vitally important when you consider the intensity at which Leeds play.
Centre-Backs: Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk
You might have expected to see Robin Koch alongside Llorente but Bielsa’s preference of a right-footer and a left-footer in his centre-back pairing could work against Koch opening the door for Struijk who impressed last season. Bielsa certainly has options at the back with Liam Cooper also in contention.
Left-back: Junior Firpo
There are high hopes for the former Barcelona left-back at Elland Road. He has everything a modern fullback needs and promises to be an attacking force down the left and combine well with the likes of Jack Harrison down his flank. He’ll solve Leeds’ fullback problem and give Bielsa’s side a more balanced look.
Centre-Defensive-Midfield: Kalvin Phillips
This one is easy isn’t it? The Yorkshire Pirlo proved his quality at the Euros by guiding England to the final on the back of a brilliant Premier League campaign. Capable of probing passes, high press and astute defence, he’s one of the best number sixes in the league and makes Leeds United tick.
Right Wing: Raphinha
Despite interest from the likes of Liverpool, Raphinha is still a Leeds player and promises to kick on again this season. Few wingers in the league posses his raw ability and he should make Leeds even more dangerous. In the same mould as Mo Salah, it should be exciting to see how he evolves in his second season at Elland Road.
Centre-Midfielders: Stuart Dallas and Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Dallas speaks for himself. He was one of Leeds’ best players last term and epitomises everything good about this United side. Capable of nicking a goal whilst working his socks off in midfield, he’s the ideal midfielder in Bielsa’s side. Joining him in this side is Ruben Loftus-Cheek who might seem like an out there choice but the midfielder often finds himself moved out on loan from Chelsea and the same could happen again this term. Leeds should certainly make a play for the midfielder if that’s the case because he could add another dimension to their midfield thanks to his creativity.
Left-Wing: Arnaut Danjuma
The Bournemouth winger has been linked with Leeds over the summer and has shown his quality in the Championship over the last few years. Last term he racked up 17 goals and seven assists in his 35 league appearances which is some going. Right now, Jack Harrison is a more accomplished left winger but if Danjuma continues to develop and demonstrate the energy and skill he does down the left, then he could replace Harrison on the flank if Leeds can make this deal happen.
Striker: Patrick Bamford
One of the biggest questions in this eleven is where and if Rodrigo should feature. I, like many, believe the Spaniard will only get better this season but there seems to be no natural place for him in Leeds’ strongest line-up unless Bielsa prefers him to top scorer Patrick Bamford. Bamford was superb last year both in terms of link-up play and goal scoring. The only English striker to find the back of the net more than him was Harry Kane which really says it all. It should be fascinating to see him kick on this season whether battling against Rodrigo for the number nine spot or linking up with the Spaniard as a pair.
