Just like Liverpool, Leeds United could be cursing their luck as their excellent season has now been put under the microscope due to the Coronavirus. The Whites are leading the Championship table, and with the season being indefinitely suspended, the football authority will have a big decision to make.
Nevertheless, the impact of the virus is starting to dissipate from its absolute peak in Europe, meaning it won’t be surprising to see football resuming once again in the next couple of months. However, Premier League comes with its own problem, and in this article, we will talk about three things Marcelo Bielsa needs to be careful of if Leeds United to return to the top flight next season.
Lack of a goalscoring striker
One of Leeds United’s problems right now is the lack of productivity. The Yorkshire outfit has scored 56 goals in the Championship this term, which is not bad at all. However, the lack of a proper goalscorer remains an issue.
Patrick Bamford is the club’s top goalscorer with 13 league goals, which is relatively low when compared with other strikers in the second division. The ex-Chelsea starlet is an excellent team player, but his lack of end product could cause Leeds United some problems in the top flight.
Indeed, the Whites are unlikely to receive as many opportunities as they do in the Championship. That means they need someone who is lethal in front of goal, thus boosting the club’s conversion rate in front of goal.
Losing Kalvin Phillips
Leeds United are in danger of losing key players after an incredible season in the Championship. Kalvin Phillips, in particular, has essentially attracted a host of clubs across England, having established himself as arguably the best defensive midfielder in the second division. Hopefully, Phillips being a boyhood Leeds United fan would not leave the club if Leeds does get promoted.
Indeed, Phillips’ understanding of the game is key to carrying out Bielsa’s balanced game plan. His ability to rotate possession, combined with his defensive prowess and intelligence provides a lot of assurance in the Leeds midfield.
Vulnerable defensive department
Leeds United have attained the best defensive record in the league this season. However, their defensive department could be ripped apart in the summer.
A player most likely to depart is Ben White. The defender is expected to return to Brighton & Hove Albion following the end of his loan spell. His departure could be a massive blow as he has been one of the best defenders in the Championship this season.
That being said, Leeds United players, including the captain Liam Cooper, have already urged the club to try and retain the services of White permanently. It will be interesting to see how this transfer saga takes shape in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Gaetano Berardi’s contract expires at the end of the campaign while goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is not really a viable option in the Premier League. So it is fair to say that the Bielsa needs to bring in some new faces in the defensive department this summer.
