Leeds United have started well under their influential manager Marcelo Bielsa, and they led the Championship table for quite a few weeks before being toppled over by Sheffield United. The Whites hopeful would definitely hope that they can continue this form for the rest of the season as they look for one of the two automatic promotion positions.
However, one thing that is clear is that the current squad lacks depth. Bielsa has often played players from different positions to fill in certain positions and there is a reason why. Centre back is one of the areas where the team needs to add some reinforcements and some reports earlier suggested that the manager wants to add a centre-half in January. We look at three possible options they can go after.
Jake Cooper
The young Millwall defender has a massive presence at the back and has been regular for his side since the last few years. The 23-year-old stands at 6ft3inches tall, and he gobbles up everything in the air. He is strong and impressive in his duels whether it’s on the ground or in the air and he reads the game well.
The English defender is also a massive threat while attacking set pieces and Cooper has a knack of scoring goals in those situations. The defender can handle himself with the ball at his feet, and we believe Cooper would be a decent bet for Bielsa as he has already gotten a reasonable amount of experience in the Championship in his young career.
Mike Van Der Hoorn
The Swansea City centre-half is currently in the final year of his contract and has so far played in 11 games in the Championship. Swansea have managed to keep it tight at the back as they have conceded just nine goals so far in the league (which is the joint second-best defensive record in the Championship) and the 25-year-old Dutch defender has played a crucial part in it.
It would be interesting to see whether the Swans would be willing to sell their main man but ability wise, we feel Van Der Hoorn would be a perfect bet for Bielsa as he is comfortable on the ball and strong in defence.
Danny Fox
The Nottingham Forest defender has played most of his career as a left back but is currently thriving in the centre back position. The primary reason why he is being deployed in that role is his ability to play out the ball from the back, and that is the reason why we are putting his name in this list.
His versatility would also help Bielsa as he can fill in the left-back role when someone like Barry Douglas gets injured. The Scottish international is in the final year of his contract. Therefore, the Whites should look to sign this experienced defender in January.
