Arguably, the most exciting team in the Premier League, Leeds United accounted for some spectacular displays on the pitch last season. A 4-3 loss to Liverpool early last season made for a scintillating watch, setting the team a benchmark for the remainder of the season. Under the scrupulous eye of Marcelo Bielsa, the team has overcome several challenges, having survived in the Premier League following their promotion last season. At 66 years of age, Bielsa’s is the league’s oldest manager whose intense work rate and enthusiasm show no sign of slack.
An intense outing in the league last season saw Bielsa’s side finish in 9th place with 59 points. The club ended the season strongly, having won four of their final five fixtures, stoking optimism at Elland Road ahead of next season. Additionally, a top-half finish accounted for their best Premier League campaign since David O’Leary led them to fifth in the 2001/02 season.
With the club eyeing a European spot next season, the tactically elegant and radiant squad may not replicate last season’s surprise element, but, will certainly prove exhausting the opposition given their tenacity to put in crunching tackles and cover every blade of grass; characteristic of their manager’s winning mentality.
Season Expectation
Having returned to Premier League after a 16-year absence, Leeds were the most stimulating amongst the promoted sides last season. Bielsa’s squad was amongst the fittest, proving to be both, difficult and exhausting to beat in the league last season. The Whites have successfully seen out their return to the Premier League and will be hoping to build on the momentum and belief at the club going into next season.
With the arrivals of proven talents in Junior Firpo from Barcelona and Jack Harrison moving to the club on a permanent deal, Bielsa will be hoping to challenge for a European spot next season. Additionally, with a remarkable Euro 2020 under his belt, Kalvin Phillips will be expected to bind the midfield together, while Raphinha will be hoping to come into his own following a remarkable debut campaign with the club last season.
Area of Improvement
Despite expressing a fearless and free-flowing approach to games last season, Leeds United particularly struggled against opposition who succeeded in choking their attacking channels and countered their pressing higher up the pitch. In addition, while the team is forceful across the pitch, the lack of quality and ability to adapt were primary contributors to the team’s failures last season.
Although the likes of Patrick Bamford, Raphinha, and Jack Harrison proved to be a handful for the opposition going up the pitch, in the absence of Kalvin Phillips at the center of the park, Leeds struggled to control the midfield against challenging opponents last season. Additionally, as a result of their attacking approach, the team only managed to keep 11 clean sheets in the league last season, many of them owing to splendid performances by their 21-year-old goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
If they are to finish within the European spots next season, Bielsa will be keen on strengthening the backline and addressing the loopholes within the team. Given the Argentinian’s proven pedigree, the club will be hoping to cause further upsets as they look to establish themselves as a serious threat next season.
Key Period (Gameweek 14-19)
Despite an exuberant return to the Premier League, inconsistency, missed chances, and the failure to maintain defensive stability haunted the team’s prospects throughout last season. While the team managed to cause some upsets, the underwhelming disappointment to pose a strong comeback resulted in underserved draws and losses over the course of last season. With the team having acclimatised to the standard of the Premier League, fans will be hoping to see Bielsa churn out positive results next season.
While the club will be hoping to register a pulsating start to the season, Bielsa will be keeping an eye on the period between Gameweek 14 and 19. Following clashes against Crystal Palace and Brentford at Elland Road, Leeds face Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal in their four remaining fixtures.
Although the club lost only one of the two games against all four clubs in the league last season, Bielsa may cause some major upsets in the upcoming campaign. The manager will be eager to start the campaign on a winning note and carry on the momentum into the season.
Key Player: Patrick Bamford
Though many doubted his ability to attune to the Premier League, it was Bamford who emerged victorious, having established himself as the manager’s first-choice striker and an omnipresent threat in the opposition’s box. The 27-year-old’s 17 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances were a vital part of Leeds’ positive results last season and resulted in the team relying on a dependable goal-scorer upfront.
Bamford’s off-the-ball movement, penalty area penetration, and ability to involve himself in the creative process made the manager build a team suitable to his attributes. With a Premier League season under his belt, the striker will be hoping to improve on his output and play a key role in the club’s pursuit of European football next season.
League Position: Top-Half
While Leeds narrowly escaped a bottom-half finish last season, significant signings addressing the loopholes within the squad and consistent improvement on the pitch could springboard the club into European spots next season. However, with almost every club in the top half having made marquee signings, Leeds will have to overcome several obstacles hindering their progress ahead of the upcoming season.
Although a season of competing in the Premier League and the return of fans at Elland Road will be a major boost for Bielsa’s squad, past mistakes and the prevalent issues in team performance may return to hamper the progression of the club. Provided Bielsa succeeds in building on from last season, Leeds may well be on course towards the top and seal a European spot as early as next season.
