Leeds United have picked up just 10 points in the last 24 available, and the run of form is a cause for concern for the Whites faithful. However, they are still within touching distance of the top spot as they trail by just two points and so things aren’t too bad yet. However, there is one area where the Whites have consistently had trouble over the past month, and that is their inability to provide finishing touches to the moves in the final third.
One of the major causes for that has been Samuel Saiz’s indifferent display. The Spaniard is tenacious and hard working, and his movements off the ball are also top class. But the 27-year-old has often fluffed his line when it comes to picking the right pass in the final third or slotting the ball in the goal.
One can easily say that United currently play the most attacking brand of football in the Championship, but Saiz hasn’t managed a single goal as of now even though he plays in an advanced position. Therefore we believe Bielsa should look to add an attacking midfielder and we think there is one free agent who could do the trick.
Samir Nasri’s career went downhill after he was banned for doping charges but he could start training with any club from November. Having not played football for so long, it would make sense for United to offer him a trial before making any kind of a contract offer for him.
The former France international is known to be a big Bielsa fan as in 2015 he was quoted as saying,”It’s been a long, long time since I watched Marseille with that much pleasure (Bielsa was with the French club at that time).”
”Seriously! I understand why everyone in Marseille was dying for Bielsa to stay, I now understand why he’s the idol of Pep Guardiola because the style of play, it’s just like … total football. They might have some weaknesses in defence, or tactically because they press one versus one … everywhere!”
”But the attacking style of play is just … amazing. If you look at Barcelona, and the way they press high, or Bayern Munich, the way they press high… that’s what makes them the best teams because when they lose the ball, in the first three seconds, that’s when they get the ball back, really, really high.”
The former Arsenal man is still just 31, and if he can get back to full match fitness, we believe he could run circles around the defenders in the Championship. Nasri would also like to have a good run before bowing out from football and playing under someone like Bielsa can bring the best out of him. His attitude and work rate has often been questioned, but maybe he would have a point to prove after the doping incident. Therefore the Whites should consider getting this talented attacking midfielder on trial in November and then see what could be done from there.
