Here are the Leeds United evening headlines on Saturday, September 5.
How Leeds players performed in friendly win
Leeds came out on top in this afternoon’s pre-season friendly against Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira, winning 3-1 at Thorp Arch.
Goals from Pascal Struijk, Pablo Hernandez, and Helder Costa were enough to secure victory in the behind-closed-doors game.
And there were a handful of stand-out performers in what was a good runout for Marcelo Bielsa’s side ahead of the start of the Premier League campaign next weekend.
Here’s how we rated the Leeds starting XI .
Merson backs Phillips to impress for England
Paul Merson says Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips should be given a chance in the England team having earned his first call-up to the senior squad.
The 24-year-old excelled in the Championship last term, helping the Whites to the title.
And that earned him a place in the England setup for the Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark.
But Merson has suggested Phillips should have perhaps been recognised by his country sooner.
“I like the way there are some new faces in the squad. It freshens things up and keeps people on their toes,” Merson told the Daily Star .
“Kalvin Phillips should get a game too. He was ripping it up last year, sticking out like a sore thumb for Leeds.
“But why not pick him then? I got in the England squad when I wasn't playing in the Premier League, there's no reason why he couldn't have.
“I was pleased for him but I thought he could have been picked earlier. I hope he hasn't been picked just because Leeds are suddenly in the Premier League.”
Whelan suggests alternative role for Rodrigo
Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has suggested new signing Rodrigo could be used as a number 10 by Bielsa next season.
The Spanish forward has been brought to Elland Road for a club-record fee of £26m ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.
He is expected to lead the line for the Whites, though Whelan has raised the possibility of the former Valencia man playing in a different role.
“I think it’s right that they're looking for another striker because I believe they need more fire power,” Whelan told Football Insider .
“Rodrigo is a fantastic player but we don’t know where they’re going to play him. They could play Rodrigo as a number 10, off the striker because he might be the player that fills Pablo Hernandez’s boots.
“We don’t know how it’s going to turn out yet, we’ll have to see what’s in Marcelo Bielsa’s mind.
“There are two different positions I believe Rodrigo can play which is centre forward and that number 10 role off the striker.
“So I do believe he’s still going to be in the market, I still believe they need a more experienced striker as well."
