Leeds United’s starting XI for their opening day clash with Wolves is likely to look a whole lot different to the one that ended last season at Brentford. With the curtain raiser just three-and-a-half weeks away, Leeds’ squad has undergone major surgery this summer as they look to right the wrongs of the 2021/22 campaign.
Victor Orta, Jesse Marsch and co have worked quickly to bring in six new faces to the squad, with Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Darko Gyabi, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra arriving at Elland Road. The Whites have lost Kalvin Phillips, and are also set to lose Raphinha, however the squad is looking in a much healthier state.
Even though a lot of new faces have come through the door, and it will take time to gel, each of the six signings have arrived for around the start of pre-season. This will give them the opportunity to settle into the squad before the game against Wolves, so they are able to hit the ground running.
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With that in mind, here is a look at how Leeds could line up on August 6 against Bruno Lage’s side, and how it could potentially change if the Whites land their next priority addition: a striker.
Goalkeeper – Illan Meslier
The one position you can pretty much guarantee come August 6 is goalkeeper, with Illan Meslier set to be the club’s number one again. The Whites may move for a more experienced shot-stopper later in the window, but Meslier will be first choice.
Defence – Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Junior Firpo
The first of the new boys is set to be at right-back, with Kristensen looking towards a debut against Wolves with a full pre-season in West Yorkshire under his belt. Though no other defensive signings are expected, Leeds’ first-choice centre-back pairing remains up in the air.
Robin Koch ended last season well and deserves a shot in his favoured position, though Diego Llorente will not want to lose his place ahead of the World Cup. Liam Cooper is also likely to start as first choice, but Pascal Struijk will be pushing him all the way.
Junior Firpo has been given a huge vote of confidence this summer with Leeds not expected to sign another left-back. If he can start the season how he ended the last one, then his second year at Elland Road could be much better.
Midfield – Jack Harrison, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca, Luis Sinisterra
As expected at the beginning of the window, midfield is where the majority of changes have come – particularly given that Phillips and Raphinha will not be here next season. If Marsch opts to go with his either a 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 – which looks likely – then a midfield two of Adams and Roca is expected.
In front of them is first summer signing Aaronson, who looks set to start in his favoured number 10 role ahead of Rodrigo Moreno. Either side of him is likely to be Jack Harrison and the newest arrival Sinisterra, with the former potentially moving across to the right-hand side to accommodate the Colombia international.
If Leeds land their number one attacking target Charles de Ketelaere, one of those three would potentially have to drop out. The 21-year-old fits Marsch’s system perfectly as he is equally capable of playing as a number 10 as he is a number nine and given Leeds are prepared to break their transfer record for him, he won’t be here to sit on the bench.
Attack – Patrick Bamford
Providing he is able to prove his fitness in pre-season, Patrick Bamford is likely to be begin the campaign leading the line. Joe Gelhardt would be more than ready to step up in his absence, though, as he is expected to play an even greater first team role this time around after his breakthrough last season.
Full line-up (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Adams, Roca; Harrison, Aaronson, Sinisterra; Bamford
How it could change (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Adams, Roca; Aaronson, de Ketelaere, Sinisterra; Bamford
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