Leeds United have been one of the most attractive sides to watch in the Championship so far this season. Marcelo Bielsa has brought a fresh breeze at the Elland Road, and more often than not, his tactical nous has generated dividends.
At the moment, the Whites find themselves 3rd in the league standings with 23 points from 12 games and their surge for promotion to the Premier League has been growing. They have built a promising platform, and they need to capitalise on it during the coming months.
The fans will be optimistic of a better run for promotion during the second half of this season, unlike the collapse that befell the club last season.
Club football is on a half owing to the international break, and that gives us the chance to look at Leeds’ strongest lineup this season.
Defence
Bailey Peacock-Farrell has been the undisputed first-choice custodian for Bielsa’s side this season, and he is the best option between the sticks. So far, he has been a reliable and consistent figure and he will be a key player for his side throughout the season.
Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson have been resilient at the back and if they manage to maintain their cohesion and camaraderie, the Yorkshire based outfit should be able to achieve more clean sheets. Cooper has mustered 1.3 tackles and 5.9 clearances.
Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer transfer window, Barry Douglas has been stupendous down the left. The right-back slot sees Luke Ayling feature because of the industry and quality he brings week in and week out.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips has generally been deployed as a deep holding midfielder, and he has been extremely useful in breaking down the opposition attacks and then turning useful with the ball at his feet. He has been nothing short of a revelation this season.
Pablo Hernandez, despite featuring just five times so far, has scored three goals and picked up two assists. With him on the right side of the midfield and Ezgjan Alioski on the other side, the Peacocks have the required quality in the wide areas. Samu Saiz and Mateusz Klich deserve to feature in the central midfield.
Attack
With four goals and two assists in six appearances, Kemar Roofe’s name up top shouldn’t come as a surprise. The 25-year-old was very clinical, hardworking and aggressive and his absence due to injury came at the wrong time.
Roofe
Alioski – Saiz – Klich – Hernandez
Phillips
Douglas – Cooper – Jansson – Ayling
Peacock-Farrell
Statistics Crdits: WhoScored