This Premier League season has been one of the most competitive yet. There are plenty of reasons for that, but perhaps the main one is that now, more than ever, there are a host of exciting clubs outside the traditional ‘Big Six’ pushing for Europe and capable of causing an upset.
One of those is Leeds United. They’ve taken the Premier League by storm since their promotion and today we’re going to be looking at why they should be your second team this season.
Well, for starters there’s Marcelo Bielsa. The Leeds manager is undoubtedly one of the best in the world. If you’re still not convinced by the Argentinian’s quality just consider where Leeds where before his appointment. They were a mid-table Championship team who had just finished 13th 30 points off promotion.
A year later Bielsa carried virtually the same squad to third in the league – remarkably they never fell outside of the top four all season. And then, once again following little recruitment, he took them to the Championship title and promotion. He’s a superb manager.
But more than that he’s charismatic. Don’t be put off by his poor English, the Leeds manager’s press conferences are some of the best. Who could forget his infamous response to spygate? He’s a serial joker and has produced a bunch of funny moments this season.
On top of that he’s got Leeds playing some of the most exciting football in the league. When on form, the Mighty Whites can score goals for fun defeating the likes of West Brom by considerable margins. Some have criticised their poor defence this campaign and even his commitment to style, but all that means is there’s never a dull moment. Football is at it’s most exciting when there’s goals, goals and more goals and with Leeds you’re guaranteed them. With 43 goals this season, they’re one of the highest scorers in the league.
In Patrick Bamford they have one of the most in-form English strikers and he’s well in the hunt for the golden boot. In fact, they have exciting players throughout their squad. Ayling and Dallas are lovable versatile players whilst Raphinha has been a super find. Just the other week, he totally bamboozled Champions League winner Gary Cahill with a sublime turn.
All of that makes for exciting and silky football – almost a blend of Klopp’s and Pep’s styles. So, if you like pure football and don’t want to see it over-thought and replaced by dull pragmatism, Elland Road is the place to be.
Plus, Leeds are a side who always feel like they’re capable of beating anyone on their day. In their opening game, the Yorkshire side produced a classic 4-3 against Champions Liverpool and were even able to hold Manchester City to a scintillating draw. Despite lacking the goals of the Liverpool game, that was a footballing classic as two master managers went toe-to-toe.
More than all of that, Leeds are a club with a real soul. Their history gives them a heart few other clubs can match. They’ve played in a European Cup Final and enjoyed great success throughout the 70s. They were also the last side to win the old Division One and were one of the finest Premier League sides in the competition’s early years. They’re a club with pedigree, atmosphere and heart. Their fanbase has a special attitude. They have a great confidence about them and are superb at banter.
If you make Leeds your second club this season, you can enjoy all of this and more.
