MANY neutrals are excited by the prospect of Leeds United’s return to the Premier League, after Marcelo Bielsa finally masterminded an end to the Whites’ 16-year top-flight exile.
Fans can’t wait to see what the innovative Argentine can bring to the Premier League… and whether Leeds’ brilliant football in the Championship will translate to the big time.
How Leeds could line up in the Premier League
Fans are excited to see what maverick Bielsa can do in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Bielsa, 65, is known to work his players to the bone with training drills such as “murderball”, in which an 11 vs 11 is played with no stoppages.
And while it is said that players can take time to adjust to the legendary coach’s methods – he’ll be seeking the right reinforcements in order to make a proper go at life back in the Premier League at Elland Road.
With the likes of Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi being linked, Whites fans could be set for an exciting few months in the transfer window – and we take a look at how their side could line up come the 2020-21 season.
TRUSTING THE SYSTEM
Danny Rose could be set for a stunning Leeds homecomingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
While Bielsa can make tweaks at any moment, he has predominantly lined Leeds up in a 4-1-4-1 formation in the Championship.
He has built a highly competent, brave defence – that take risks with the ball.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier looks like an outstanding talent at just 20 and can become a superstar at Leeds – while Luke Ayling is a rock star at right-back.
Securing Ben White on a permanent transfer from Brighton to partner skipper Liam Cooper will be an arduous task – but is surely a priority for CEO Andrea Radrizzani.
Meanwhile left-back Danny Rose has spoken on numerous occasions of his desire to head back to the north to play… so where better than to return to where it all began for him as a young professional.
FLANKING THE CURRENT STARS
Kalvin Phillips will show that he can mix it with the bestCredit: EPA
Kalvin Phillips has become a star under Bielsa’s tutelage and could put himself in England contention by taking immediately to top-flight football at the base of Leeds’ midfield.
Mateusz Klich has hardly missed a minute of action in two years and provides so much at Leeds’ heart, while wily Pablo Hernandez can pull creative strings once again in the Premier League – having done so for Swansea City previously.
This duo could be flanked by a pair of bright new buys, plucked from the Championship from which Leeds are leaving behind.
Emi Buendia will be hoping for another shot at the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association
The Whites are set to rival Chelsea for Said Benrahma, with the Brentford star “destined” to play in the Premier League despite the Bees’ play-off final defeat to Fulham.
He could line up wide on the left, while Norwich’s Emi Buendia has been targeted and could take Helder Costa’s place on the right.
Batshuayi would surely slot in for fellow Chelsea alumni Patrick Bamford up-front should he sign – although the Belgian will have to combine his undoubted superior quality with Bamford’s lung-busting, willing work-rate.
Michy Batshuayi will be desperate to probe himself all over again in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
