When a new manager takes charge at a club, it’s always on the cards that he will make plenty of signings to acquire a team suiting his ideas. Every manager has different philosophies, different ideas but if you do not have quality players to execute them or else it really does not matter how unique his ideas are. We have seen managers like Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti or Jose Mourinho all extremely active in the transfer market right after taking charge of a new team because you are a good manager if only you have the right players who can execute your ideas.
Garry Monk, a manager who made his name among the most promising managers in English football during his Swansea days, was brought in at Elland Road this summer by Massimo Cellino to put an end to the fans’ frustrations in recent years. The 37-year-old made as many as ten signings this summer but Leeds still look far from a team capable of challenging for a playoff spot let alone the prospect of a direct promotion.
There is still a week before the transfer window closes and Leeds can still act in the market to fulfil their needs. Here are three areas in the squad that still needs to be addressed.
Central defence
Leeds United have signed two central defenders this summer in the form of Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson, both on loan from Swansea and Torino respectively. These two signings leave them with four options at the heart of the defence. However, Liam Copper and skipper Sol Bamba have both failed to impress in the last campaign and another central defender could be beneficiary for Leeds.
Attacking midfield
Leeds United do not have a single out and out number ten right now and we have seen Leeds struggling to open up tight defences. To become a side capable of finishing in top-six, Leeds need more creativity and Monk does not have much time to bring a quality playmaker. Pablo Hernandez was probably loaned in to be played as a number ten but the Whites should go for a natural number ten rather than a makeshift one.
Left-back
We have seen Charlie Taylor’s stocks pretty high lately following his incredible display in the left-back position in the past couple of seasons. However, despite all the speculations, Taylor remains a Leeds player but the commitment of the 22-year-old can be questioned from his performances this campaign. Leeds should bring another left-back to contend with the 22-year-old for a starting spot at Elland Road.
