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da brwin： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
One of the main concerns for Leeds supporters heading into the new season was their lack of depth.
This was, of course, before they’d completed their transfer activity but even then their squad still doesn’t look the biggest.
At the beginning of April last season, the Whites had suffered from 31 different injury problems and setbacks across the squad.
If that happens again this term they could be in serious bother.
Already in 2019/20, we’ve seen injuries for Barry Douglas and Liam Cooper but Marcelo Bielsa’s men have come out the other side relatively unscathed, losing just one league outing.
Leeds have a major numerical disadvantage, using the fewest number of players (17) this season of anyone in the Championship. However, thanks to one of the Argentine’s philosophies, the issue is already being solved.
On the chalkboard
In quotes on Yorkshire Evening Post this week, Bielsa noted the following: “One of the most important things is to have two or three options in each position. The level of competition for the positions increases the skill of the players.”
Indeed it’s this approach to matters at Leeds that is proving pivotal and can continue to be crucial as the season plays out.
The fact is that Leeds have a plethora of players that can play in multiple positions, thus ensuring that if and when an injury does occur, they have cover.
Leeds’ defence is perhaps the area where depth is lacking most and the fact Leif Davis has been converted from a left back to a centre half is evidence of this.
On top of him, they only have three first-team centre-backs – Ben White, Gaetano Berardi and Cooper.
But its helping players to thrive in other positions that’s been key already this term.
Jamie Shackleton has previously played at right back and in midfield. Kalvin Phillips, meanwhile, is adept in defence and in a holding role behind Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw.
But Leeds’ versatility doesn’t stop there. Jack Harrison has been utilised out wide and as a central striker whilst Pablo Hernandez has featured on the right and behind the strikers.
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Bielsa is preparing his side for all eventualities and the fact they have so many players who can play in varying roles is particularly handy.
Ezgjan Alioski has played at left back and slightly further forward whilst the same can be said of Stuart Dallas who has done the same but on the opposite flank. He even played on the left in last season’s playoffs.
The west Yorkshire club may have a severe disadvantage in terms of depth but they’re making up for it in cunning fashion.
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