Jesse Marsch and his 26-man Leeds United squad have taken to the air this weekend as they travel to Australia for this summer’s pre-season tour. The Whites will take on Brisbane Roar on Thursday, July 14, with games to follow against Premier League opposition in Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
The headline from Marsch’s squad announcement inevitably surrounded one of the omitted names, with Raphinha remaining in the UK. That news all but confirmed earlier reports that the Brazilian has asked not to travel to Australia as he attempts to accelerate his departure from Elland Road - presumably to Barcelona or Chelsea.
The more positive of those in West Yorkshire will have been drawn to the fact that all six summer signings are included, with the tour of Australia presenting a chance to see all but Roca, who played against Blackpool on Thursday, for the first time in a Leeds shirt - the new one as well.
But those three pre-season games are not just a parade for shiny new signings. There are plenty within that 26-man squad who have a serious point to prove, whether that be young players returning from loans or those that have been pushed to the fringes by said arrivals. A good pre-season tour under the watchful eye of Whites boss Marsch could be the foundation for a breakthrough season at Elland Road.
Here are Seven players with a point to prove down under.
Leif Davis
The omission of Junior Firpo - reportedly a precautionary measure due to a knock - has opened the door for Leif Davis to really make an impression. There have been doubts about the 22-year-old’s capabilities, having made just 12 Championship appearances for Bournemouth last season, but he has seemingly shown enough in training for Marsch to resist a new left-back.
Junior Firpo will be Leeds’ first-choice next season, but with Stuart Dallas out for at least the rest of the year, there is a chance for someone to step into the back-up role. Leo Hjelde and Pascal Struijk have both featured in the role but Davis will hope his specialism at left-back can help him in Australia.
Leo Hjelde
With four senior centre-backs all travelling, Leo Hjelde’s minutes will likely come at left-back and he will fancy his chances at making that role his own after an impressive debut last season - the 18-year-old came on as a first-half substitute in the 3-2 win at West Ham in January and put in a composed and mature performance.
As with Davis, a couple of strong performances in Australia could all but confirm his place as the second-choice in the role, with Marsch likely to prefer the Norwegian’s physicality, so long as he can prove a threat going forward.
Cody Drameh
Cody Drameh’s loan move to Cardiff City last season could not have gone better. The right-back played 22 times in the Championship last season, winning the Bluebirds' Player of the Season award despite only joining in January.
He will have understandably been disheartened by the speed at which Leeds signed Rasmus Kristensen, suggesting they saw right-back as a priority position following Luke Ayling’s surgery and subsequent lengthy absence. But the young full-back’s performance against Blackpool will have given Marsch plenty to think about, and a few similar performances down under will only strengthen his claim.
Adam Forshaw
With all the talk of Leeds’ new-look midfield, one would be forgiven for overlooking Adam Forshaw, but the 30-year-old proved upon his return from a long-term injury last season that he remains invaluable to the club - it’s exactly why he signed a one year extension in January.
There have been concerns that changing too much too quickly could lead to more problems in midfield, and Forshaw will be hoping such worries rest in Marsch’s head. His calming presence in midfield and vast experience will keep him in high regard, and a strong pre-season campaign could well put him into the starting line-up for the first league match against Wolves.
Daniel James
Many felt for Dan James last season. Signed for £24million on deadline day last summer, the Welshman spent much of the last campaign leading the line in a role that he is not used to, nor is he equipped for. Effort and commitment were never missing - in fact it went too far against Chelsea - but it just never really worked.
The new season provides a clean slate for the 24-year-old, who will be desperate to prove his worth in a position that actually suits him. James was partially excused last season for lacking the quality upfront, but he will need to perform from the offset out wide or he’ll likely face hasty criticism.
Crysencio Summerville
Raphinha’s imminent departure could be the sliding doors moment for Crysencio Summerville to seriously break into the first-team. The 20-year-old tried to force a move away in January, frustrated by a lack of opportunities and desperate to play, and now his Brazilian teammate’s departure could provide exactly that.
The Dutchman will by no means be a regular starter next season - the £22million signing of Luis Sinisterra adds another potential hurdle - but his development into one of the most exciting young talents will put him in good stead for regular football. And if he can prove his quality against senior opposition in Australia, next season could well be a breakthrough.
Rodrigo
Leeds United’s record signing will enter his third season at Elland Road this year, with many still sceptical that he will ever fulfil his £27million arrival. The Spaniard has scored 13 goals and added a further three assists during his time in West Yorkshire, but continually drifted in and out of games and lacked season-long consistency.
Now 31-years-old, next season may well be Rodrigo’s final chance to assert himself into Marsch’s side and win over the majority of Whites fans. He showed signs of invaluable leadership qualities during last season's relegation run-in, but will need to pair that with the quality he possesses if he is to finally prove his worth.
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