Here are your Leeds United morning headlines for Tuesday, October 27.
Gary Neville praises Leeds man’s ‘Ronaldo-like’ technique
Leeds United were hugely impressive on Friday night, putting three goals past a previously unbeaten Aston Villa side, and Patrick Bamford was the star of the show.
The striker scored a hat-trick at Villa Park to help Marcelo Bielsa’s side temporarily climb into the top four, and his performance caught the eye of pundit Gary Neville.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Neville described Bamford’s second and third goals as “really, really special”.
“I still cannot really work out the technique behind [the second goal],” Neville said.
“He doesn’t really bend it. He doesn’t really hit it with his laces. It’s almost like these Ronaldo-like free-kicks where he cuts across it.
“But you very rarely see them in open play. It’s an absolutely brilliant finish.”
Bamford’s hat-trick took him up to six Premier League goals this season, behind only Son Heung-min and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the overall standings.
Solskjaer provides update on Daniel James form amid Leeds interest
The most recent transfer window saw Leeds explore the possibility of signing Manchester United winger Daniel James, only for the Welshman to stay at Old Trafford.
It wasn’t the first time the Whites have pursued the 22-year-old, having been close to a permanent deal in January 2019, a few months before the Manchester club pounced.
James has started the last two Premier League games for his club, but failed to complete the full 90 minutes against either Newcastle United or Chelsea.
Nevertheless, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s update on the winger’s form demonstrates his continued faith in the player.
"Dan's confidence is high," Solskjaer said after the Chelsea game, which saw James withdrawn just before the hour mark.
"Today was one of those days where he played against some good players as well, he had some moments, and we keep on working.
“Dan's had a really good impact at the club and we're looking forward to developing him more."
Marcelo Bielsa sheds light on Luke Ayling’s important dressing room role
With Leeds suffering a minor injury crisis ahead of the win at Aston Villa on Friday night, Luke Ayling had a big role to play.
The former Bristol City defender captained the side in the absence of regular skipper Liam Cooper, and moved from his usual full-back role into central defence with Cooper and Diego Llorente both sitting out the game.
He pulled out a big display, headlined by a goal-line clearance to keep out Jack Grealish’s effort, but his all-round performance was of the highest quality.
And Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has spoken of the defender’s importance, not just in his more direct on-pitch contributions but in how he was able to help those around him.
“He was quick, he was agile,” Bielsa said after the game.
“He defended well, he headed well. He used the ball well and he transmitted serenity to the rest of the team.”
Ayling is one of just three Leeds outfielders to play every minute of the Premier League season, along with Stuart Dallas and Robin Koch, and his influence is clearly being felt.
