Leeds United are on an impressive run of form at the moment as they have won five games on the bounce to keep the pressure on West Bromwich Albion at the top of the table. Their 4-0 win against Middlesbrough finally warranted a scoreline based on their performance. The Whites have been edgy and nerve-wracking on too many matches even though they were quite clearly the better side, but that wasn’t the case against the Boro as they found an early goal which helped them dominate the game from the start.
However, one issue Bielsa will face is the suspension of Kalvin Phillips. The defensive midfielder picked up another yellow, and he will be out for the next tie against Huddersfield Town. The Whites don’t have an outright replacement for Phillips in the roster. Adam Forshaw would have been a plausible option, but he has been nursing an injury for quite some time now.
Bielsa on replacing Phillips against Huddersfield Town
Hence, Bielsa recently indicated that centre back Ben White might step up in midfield to cover for Phillips. The Argentine boss was asked whether Ben White will be the solution of Kalvin Phillips and he said (Leeds Live),” Yes. He’s our most important option.”
It is not the first time that Bielsa is going to rely on a player’s versatility to bail him out during an injury or a suspension crisis. Stuart Dallas might be an epitome of a Bielsa player as he has played as a fullback (on both flanks), a winger and a central midfielder.
Why Ben White seems to be a good pick
Ben White certainly seems to have the quality to play as a defensive midfielder as he reads the game brilliantly and he can stop threats before they develop. The English defender is assured in his challenges, and he hardly looks out of place when he goes in for the 50-50 duels. To top it all off, he is composed and comfortable with the ball at his feet, and it is no surprise to see him emerge as a candidate to play as a defensive midfielder.
However, United will likely have to play Gaetano Berardi in defence if White is pushed up the pitch. Berardi has done well so far in a few games, but he always seems to have a moment of rashness in him. Hopefully, he could keep things tight for one game. United should be confident of getting a result against Huddersfield without Phillips as the Terriers are struggling at the 19th spot on the table.
