One of the players most heavily linked to Leeds United last summer was Club Brugge's Noa Lang. The young Dutchman had scored 14 goals and assisted a further eight in the Belgian Pro League, playing a key role in Brugge's title win.
Victor Orta was said to have done a lot of analysis on the player who has gone onto make his debut for the Dutch senior side this season. However, Marcelo Bielsa did not give the green light for the transfer due to concerns over Lang's defensive aptitude.
This was particularly important in Bielsa's man-marking system as every Leeds player had to win their individual duels or the system could break down badly. However, with Jesse Marsch's pressing system being more based around the team moving as a unit, his ability to win one-on-one defensive duels means that would be less of an issue for him signing for Leeds, should they return with a bid for the former Ajax man.
Read more: Leeds United hope to take advantage of European schedule again against Manchester City
This could be more likely now, as not only does Leeds' new defensive system suit Lang better but the Dutchman could really add something to Leeds' new attacking system. Under Marsch, Leeds are playing a narrow system but they are doing so with the same attackers that Bielsa utilised in his system which focused on width and space.
Leeds already want Brenden Aaronson, who has played for Marsch at RB Salzburg and is an excellent ball carrier in central areas. His pace makes him perfect for the transitional attacks Leeds' manager wants to take advantage of immediately after winning the ball by a counter press.
In Lang, Leeds could have a player who adds some guile. The Dutchman has nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season and he is excellent in compacted spaces, which Leeds will find more often in their narrow system. He has nominally played from the left or in a free-role up front for Club Brugge but he drifts around the central areas wherever he is listed on the team sheet. From there, he probes the edge of the opponent's box with short, sharp passes, trying to get teammates in-behind or looking to receive the one-two for a shot of his own.
Rodrigo has played this role to a degree in recent times but Leeds could certainly do with another player capable of it. Lang is also only 22-years-old, whilst Rodrigo will be 31 next season so Orta would do well to bring in a player who can hit his peak years at Elland Road.
With rumours around Raphinha leaving, Leeds will surely need work on their attack this summer. Bringing in Aaronson and Lang could mean they replace the Brazilian's output and spread it out a little, rather than being overly reliant on one attacker. It will also mean Leeds are able to attack closer to the style their new manager would prefer, rather than trying to play in a new way with a squad built with players set up to play another way.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
