Next season would be one of the most important seasons for Leeds United in the Championship. Rather, it will be a make or break season for them. Under the adventurous Garry Monk, the Whites finished at the seventh position in the league table with 75 points, which was just five points adrift of Fulham, the last team to secure a playoff position last season.
And with a new owner at the helm, who is willing to make the necessary investment to take the club to the next level, the Whites are definitely looking at a positive season next term. After coming this close, aiming for a promotion would definitely be the most sensible step now and the likes of Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion have shown that perfect planning can help you achieve that.
One look at Leed’s season and one cannot deny that the side lacks goal scoring players. They have managed to score only 61 goals last season, and if not for Chris Wood, that number would have dwindled down to the forties. Creating chances has been a big challenge for the Whites with the side managing only 383 of them.
With the manager now gone, the board is burdened with the task of getting the right players and deliver it to the new boss. And if Newcastle’s plan is to be followed, then Andrea Radrizzani needs to make sure, his squad additions consist of players both young and with good experience at the top level. And such blend of qualities can be increasingly found in the emerging starlets of big clubs, who have a promising career but are yet not ready to step in the first-team.
One of the best academies in England is that of Arsenal’s, which boasts of some serious young talents. However, following a disappointing season, Arsene Wenger is unlikely to risk young players next season which would be career-deciding for him.
And one player who could come in handy for them is Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The player is a regular for the side in the under-age league and his impressive displays have even earned him a game in the Premier League. A right midfield by nature, he could be an efficient wing-back for any side, something Arsenal would love to have.
But, he is not yet ready for the fierce top-flight football and needs one more season under his belt to get acquainted with the rigours of the game. Playing for the Arsenal U-23 side, the 19-year-old has managed four goals and six assists, which has already earned him a place in England’s Under-20 side, where he got a goal in nine outings.
His loan stint with Ipswich Town the previous season means he is experienced in the Championship too. And we think he could be a valuable addition to the Leeds side.
