matchday of the Premier League season for Leeds United to survive for another season. It was important for the Whites not to go down to the Championship yet again and the celebrations at the end were befitting the result. But ahead of the next season, Jesse Marsch’s team have plenty of work to do to be competitive in the league again.
To make things a bit easier for Leeds, we’ve identified four key areas on the pitch that need strengthening ahead of the 2022-23 season.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
Leeds United haven’t signed a central midfielder since 2017 when they roped in Adam Forshaw. They have found a young attacking midfielder in Brenden Aaronson but need a quality ball player in the middle of the park.
Plenty hinges on the fitness of Kalvin Phillips, who is one of the best holding midfielders in the league. But when Phillips isn’t available Leeds have lost 19 Premier League matches from 30 games. Compare that to just 10 losses from 46 games when he started a Premier League match for the Whites. Phillips was injured for the majority of the last season and the team wasn’t able to keep the ball with comfort in the majority of those matches.
FULL-BACK
Stuart Dallas seems to have picked a long term injury and that will be a big headache for Jesse Marsch to fill in the coming season. Dallas’ versatility is what makes him stand out but not having someone of his calibre will be a big issue for the team.
Left-back Junior Firpo, who signed ahead of the 2021-22 season is expected to grow in his role in the coming season. Right back, Luke Ayling is one of the first names on the teamsheet but both of them can do with some competition in their positions.
WINGER
A lot will depend on whether Leeds can retain their star man Raphinha for another season. If Raphinha decides to leave Elland Road then finding a world-class winger to replace him will be a big challenge.
If Raphinha decides to stay, something Leeds fans are desperate for, then roping in another young and exciting winger for the future can be the way to go about it.
STRIKER
Patrick Bamford is the number one striker at the club and his last season was also filled with niggly injuries. Leeds tried to bring Eddie Nketiah back to Elland Road but that move didn’t materialise. The emergence of young Joe Gelhardt is a positive one but they remain light there and have been for a long time.
Read: Manchester City Claim Premier League Title After A Thrilling Finish To The Season
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