Leeds United have shown glimpses of genius this season so far, but on the other hand they have shown extreme wastefulness in opposition boxes yet again, with a lack of conversion that has definitely cost them a much stronger league stance than they have at the moment.
A recent xG (Expected goals per game) report, posted on Twitter from Sky Bet shows, that if they had converted the clear chances that they have created, they would sit atop the Championship table with an eleven point gap to Brentford in second and a twenty point gap to Sheffield Wednesday in third… a massive contrast to them currently sitting second with only a three point gap to third place Fulham.
This xG @SkyBetChamp table makes for an interesting read. 😳👀
(Via @experimental361) pic.twitter.com/hdQRN1X4EE
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) January 23, 2020
This is completely hypothetical obviously but it really does highlight the issues that the Whites seem to have in front of goal, an eighteen point difference that equates to six extra wins, that is something that needed highlighting and will certainly need rectifying if Leeds are to reach the promised land this season.
There are many irons in the fire to provide Patrick Bamford with competition though, with Southampton’s Che Adams chief of many on a list that needs to bare fruit on the coming days should the club be fully serious in their promotion assault.
Another issue that befalls the club, following his red card for a frustrated challenge in the Whites last game, a 1-0 defeat to QPR, is how to replace the seemingly irreplaceable Kalvin Phillips in the heart of their midfield as he sits out a three match suspension.
Marcelo Bielsa’s preferred option appears to be moving Ben White into midfield, a move that will definitely disrupt the defence, or their is young Alfie McCalmont, a natural replacement that only lacks in experience, but this could be a risk at a very important stage of the season… another option is to change the shape entirely.
Here is how I would line the team up, at least for the next game vs Millwall, without any rumoured players joining the club…
GK- Kiko Casilla- A mainstay with a possible lengthy ban weighing on his mind, but his experience could be key.
CBR- Luke Ayling- Can play as a centre half and adds a calm head in a back three.
CBC- Ben White- The middle of a back three with license to get forward with his bursts of pace.
CBL- Liam Cooper (c)- Super, duper, Liam Cooper, as the left side of a back three and providing excellent cover, along with Ayling, for the marauding wing-backs.
WBR- Stuart Dallas- Arguably his best position with the energy and dynamism to cause real problems for the opposition.
WBL- Ezgjan Alioski- With less defensive responsibility and the energy of a three year old on coca cola, this could bring the best out of the Macedonian fans favourite.
MC- Mateusz Klich- A player again who has bags of energy and creativity, it would take a little more discipline from the Pole but he is certainly capable.
FR- Helder Costa- Growing into the season as it goes, he is becoming more of a threat in every game but needs to run at his marker more.
FL- Jack Harrison- A revelation so far this season, but guilty of a few missed chances himself. Can’t be dropped at the moment.
AMC- Pablo Hernandez- Lot’s of freedom in this system, still returning to full fitness but will be a huge plus in the coming months if he can find his best form quickly- hugely missed recently.
ST- Patrick Bamford- As the only senior striker on the books, he really needs an upturn in form… and so do the club and the fans.
SUBS
Illan Meslier
Barry Douglass
Gaetano Berardi
Alfie McCalmont
Jamie Shackleton
Jordan Stevens
Ryan Edmundson
In my opinion this system could freshen things up a little, including a young striker on the bench as cover and keeping the opposition guessing.
What do the Leeds United fans think?
