Leeds United’s pre-season tour of Australia presented plenty of positives for Whites boss Jesse Marsch. His new arrivals have all bedded in to the squad, and his system, well - especially the trio that played under him previously - and patterns are starting to emerge that prove his philosophy is being implemented effectively.
Granted, the sharpness to perfect that final touch in a high-speed attack was missing, but the abundance of third-man runs and punchy, line-breaking passes was evidence that the players are becoming accustomed to the American’s style. Similarly, the coordination of Marsch’s aggressive pressing is improving and the presence of Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson has sped up that process.
But there was one glaring problem defensively for Leeds throughout all three of their games, as their high-line was constantly exposed by long balls in behind and pacey runs. Over-committing in attack was the reason for Jean Phillipe Mateta’s equaliser for Crystal Palace, and a high-line against Aston Villa saw Ollie Watkins bear down on goal from 40-yards with not a Leeds player in sight.
