Leeds United, like the last term, started off their campaign in the best possible style, with a win over Stoke City in their opening fixture at Elland Road. They have put in another dominating performance in their 4-1 win over Derby County in their second match last weekend and are currently sitting pretty on the 2nd position in the league table.
The Whites had a great start last season as well as they went onto win consecutive matches before hitting a downward slope in their performance, eventually finishing the season on the 13th position. So, being a Leeds faithful, you would be more circumspect of the situation.
The summer transfer window has not been a great one from Leeds’ perspective, which has left the new manager Marcelo Bielsa lacking depth in every department. With a long season ahead of him, the Argentine tactician would have been hoping for a better and sizeable team at his disposal, and he should not be happy with whatever options he has got at his hand, despite the start that he has had.
However, with the transfer window still open for the Championship clubs for bringing in players only on loan, there is an outward opportunity for the Whites to get Bielsa some players who can play an essential role in their lineup. The veteran manager is known to have a good relationship with the Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and has been linked with a few of City’s youngsters, who can be brought on loan at the Elland Road club.
Two players from the Premier League who can be a good fit into Bielsa’s Leeds United lineup are as follows.
Phil Foden
The young midfield ace was one of the players in the Manchester City ranks who came out with eye-catching performances in whatever chances he got. Though there is not much chance that Guardiola would let him leave, Bielsa could convince him that playing at Leeds might be the best possible thing for the youngster’s development.
Brahim Diaz
Diaz is another Man City midfielder, who has attracted the attention of some clubs in the Championship and Premier League with his dazzling displays in midfield. He made merry of whatever chances he got under Guardiola and notched up a number of solid performances in the middle of the pitch. Another hard target for Bielsa to achieve but if he can add the player to his side, it will give an edge to his side’s midfield.
Let me be very clear; I am not claiming that Leeds United need these players for their starting lineups. One of the major characteristic of a Bielsa team is that they start strong, but given the insane pressing they do, the team loses a lot of steam as the season progresses. Now, that only loan deals are allowed until the start of January, it would be prudent for Bielsa to increase the squad depth. The Championship is known to be unforgiving, and Leeds needs to build on this start they have had.
