It is normal for clubs to rely on a handful of first-team regulars to be the spine of the squad but Leeds United have had to lean on their 'blue chip' players more than most this season.
'Blue chip' is a phrase that in English football, is most commonly associated with Sir Bobby Robson, who would refer to his trusted group of key players at Newcastle United as his 'blue chip brigade'. At Leeds, head coach Jesse Marsch has formed his own brigade with what he has called the 'leadership council'.
It consists of Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw, Kalvin Phillips, Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford and as outlined by Marsch, their role is to help communicate ideas to the head coach based upon what they hear from other players. Injuries have ravaged the squad and the club's torrid luck with injuries was on full display in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, during which four players were forced out of the action.
