Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa built a unique and enthralling playing style which was designed to play at a high intensity and with width. They would switch the ball from side to side with ease and at serious pace, not allowing for the opposition to get set. Under Victor Orta, Leeds spent a vast amount of money on wide players. This made perfect sense given the philosophy and ethos of Bielsa, which then made it an even more bizarre decision to replace Bielsa with Red Bull graduate Jesse Marsch. His style was narrow and the players struggled to adapt, which was to no surprise. Leeds now face a serious dilemma ahead of the new season, which kicks off in 25 days. Do they try and keep what they have or do they sacrifice one or two in order to try and bolster elsewhere?
Daniel Farke will play with width, given his preferred formation is 4-2-3-1. There is no doubt that Leeds have the ability, but how many have the desire to play for the white shirt? On the books at Leeds United we have the following, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinesterra, Willy Gnonto, Crycencio Summerville and Dan James all of whom can operate on either flank. Don’t get me wrong, strength in depth during a 46 game league campaign is pivotal, but it looks like there will be some form of movement during this window.
The two obvious standout individuals to keep are Jack Harrison and Luis Sinesterra, the latter in particular. Firstly, Harrison offers a real desire and commitment both on and off the field, where he continues his fitness work away from the club. A model professional some would say. Not only this, but he is robust. Harrison is very rarely injured and for a battle in the Championship this is key. In regard to Luis Sinesterra, I firmly believe that the club must do everything within their power in order to keep Luis at the club. He offers something we have been missing since the departure of Raphinha… the ability to win a game on his own. Yes, people will question his injury record last season and they would be right to be concerned, although his injury record at Feyenoord wasn’t actually too bad. He missed a total of 10 games in the two years prior to joining Leeds and before that he suffered a cruciate ligament rupture which left him out for 23 games. Having these two available in the Championship would almost be like having a cheat code on a console game. You are guaranteed goals and assists in volumes, something which Daniel Farke will be desperately seeking.
The infectious smile of Dan James returned to Thorp Arch this week. He has had a strange experience with Leeds United in more ways than one. He finally arrived at Leeds United under long time admirer Marcelo Bielsa but was made to play as a number 9 frequently, given the injuries in that specific position. A player who many will and should feel sorry for given he was shipped out on loan to Fulham when he was rumoured to be happy at Leeds. Can he offer something this season? I certainly think there’s a place for James. Yes, his final ball can be inconsistent but he offers electrifying pace and an unbelievable work ethic, something which Leeds United supporters were so desperate to see on the pitch last season.
Crycencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto, a pairing which seem to work very well together when they feature alongside each other. A brotherly relationship has clearly blossomed and there is talk of both attracting interest from various parties. Summerville, a very talented individual, poses a serious goal threat given his direct nature. His form for the under 23s led to him getting the opportunity to impress at first team level. When he has featured, he has performed well. The one huge question mark hanging over him is his attitude away from the pitch. Rumours of his attitude problems first surfaced as Leeds were on the verge of signing him, mainly from disgruntled Feyenoord fans online. Leeds United can not afford any distractions off the field, this season in particular, as they attempt to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. As for Willy Gnonto, his arrival from FC Zurich for £3m certainly raised some eyebrows last summer. A bright individual who burst onto the scene at Elland Road, after Jesse Marsch deemed him ‘not ready yet’. The young Italian international has attracted interest from a few clubs, Juventus and Everton to name a few, although we understand no bids have been made. Having Gnonto available in the Championship would be a great coup for Leeds and he has 4 years left on his current deal. Does this mean that Leeds will play hardball regarding a fee, if an offer does come in, or will they be stubborn and demand that he stays?
There is no doubt that Leeds have an array of options in the wide areas, but relegation, Mr Orta’s insistence on relegation release clauses and players who seem happy to jump ship after turning in one of the worst campaigns seen at Elland Road in recent years, has certainly made things a lot trickier this summer. Who do we keep and if anybody, who do we move on?
#LUFC #MOT
