Leeds United will begin their 2019-20 Championship campaign against Bristol City on Sunday, August 4, and they will hope that they can be consistent throughout the season and secure promotion to the Premier League after coming agonisingly close last campaign. Manager Marcelo Bielsa has signed for another year with Leeds, which could be his final year with the club if they don’t get promoted.
The Whites bowed out of the semi-final of the Championship play-offs last season, and missed out on a chance to gain promotion. They looked very good in the first half of the 2018-19 season, but their performances tapered off in the second half of the season, which led to their slide from the automatic promotion places.
But, the 2019-20 season could be when Bielsa guides Leeds back to the Premier League, and these three players could be vital for them:
Hélder Costa
Leeds have not made several signings this season; in fact, they have signed three players – all on loan, while selling four players. One of the players that they have brought in is Wolves winger Helder Costa, who had wowed Championship fans in his very first season at Wolves back in the 2016-17 season. Costa is back in the Championship, this time with Leeds, to get some much-needed game time.
The Portuguese winger is an exciting player who likes to take on defences with his dribbling, using his pace and technical ability to beat opposition defences. Drifting in from the right, Costa could be a very good signing for Leeds and will be a key player for them.
Kemar Roofe
Last year’s top scorer for Leeds, striker Kemar Roofe had a good campaign last time around, ending the season with 15 goals and 2 assists. His good form has attracted interest from other clubs, but Leeds must do everything in their power to keep hold of him. The 26-year-old is an experienced striker who comes alive in and around the penalty area when he has the ball at his feet. Roofe averaged 3.1 shots on goal per game last season.
He is a tenacious player with a good work-rate and will be an important player for Leeds up front, with his energy and goalscoring ability.
Liam Cooper
Leeds United have lost one of their most important players in defender Pontus Jansson, who was sold to Brentford earlier in the summer transfer window. The central defender was a commanding figure at the back and his move away from the club has made Leeds a little light at the back.
Jansson’s exit means that the onus of marshalling the backline will lie on captain and central defender Liam Cooper in the 2019-20 season. Cooper is a good tackler, with great leadership qualities, who can build attacks from the back with his neat passing and he will need to have a good season for the Whites to flourish.