Having been crowned English Championship champions, Leeds United’s focus has already turned toward next season and their preparations for life in the Premier League.
Leeds were, over the course of the 2019/20 campaign, the strongest side in the second tier, but the demands placed on Marcelo Bielsa and his players will be far greater after the summer.
Naturally, the Whites will use the transfer market to strengthen their squad ahead of next season, with the latest rumour speculating that Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada could be on his way to Elland Road (as per journalist Juan G. Arango ). But what would the 19-year-old bring to Leeds?
As a central creator, Almada boasts great potential. The teenager is frequently a threat in the attacking third, scoring four times for Velez over the course of the 2019/20 Primera Division season. Almada failed to register a single assist, but while it’s true his final product could be sharper, this is not a true reflection of his natural flair for invention.
If Bielsa is looking for a creative hub to take in possession and make things happen going forward, Almada might be the ideal candidate. He is capable of playing against a high press, and also of implementing a high press himself. Bielsa would have a lot of technical ability to work with should Leeds do a deal for the Velez midfielder. He has the look of a Bielsa-type player.
Almada has an eye for a pass, but also possesses a natural knack of knowing when a shot from distance or a cross from the wing would be more useful. He is nimble and is capable of playing in a number of possessions across the attacking line, but it’s in behind the central striker where the 19-year-old is most effective and comfortable. That’s where Leeds would get the most out of him.
Almada has already been compared to Lionel Messi, as has become customary for every attacking midfielder of Argentine descent in recent years, with the teenager also likened to a young Carlos Tevez. There is something in the latter comparison, with both players possessing the uncanny knack of keeping the ball at their feet when they have no right to, but Almada deserves to develop without the burden of such expectation. Leeds would be a good place for him to grow away from the elite level spotlight.
Of course, it’s not entirely certain who Almada would be playing behind next season, should he make the move to Leeds. Patrick Bamford was favoured by Bielsa as centre forward over the course of the 2019/20 campaign, but there are some concerns over the lack of goals scored by the former Chelsea and Middlesbrough striker.
Leeds need only look at Aston Villa’s struggles in the Premier League this season for evidence over how a lack of a true goalscoring centre forward can cost a team dearly in the top flight. If the Whites are to spend big on Almada, with the teenager’s release clause reportedly standing at £22million, they must also give him a striker who can make the most of the chances and situations he creates.
What’s more, Almada would have significant resale value, with the teenager reportedly interesting the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United. Elland Road could be the perfect place for the youngster to find his feet in the Premier League and prove himself. For all concerned, this is a move that would have a great deal of sound logic behind it.
