Good morning, Leeds United fans. Here is your morning digest for Friday, October 23.
Reshuffle likely for Villa clash
With Kalvin Phillips ruled out, Marcelo Bielsa will likely have to reshuffle his Leeds United side for the clash against Aston Villa this evening.
Pascal Struijk, who started in defence against Wolverhampton Wanderers, has already been earmarked by the Argentine coach to fill in for Phillips in midfield. But with Liam Cooper a major doubt, that will leave a hole in the back four.
Summer signing Diego Llorente is also injured, so Luke Ayling may be asked to fill in at centre-back. That, in turn, could see Stuart Dallas moved over from left-back to right-back and Gjanni Alioski stepping in to replace the Northern Irishman.
It's something of a tactical puzzle, one that Bielsa will no doubt relish.
There might be changes further up the pitch, too, and the full predicted Leeds line up for the clash against Villa can be viewed here.
Rodrigo latest signing to benefit from Bielsa
Despite being a centre-forward by trade, club-record signing Rodrigo has mostly played in a deeper role since joining the Whites from Valencia.
The Spaniard has shown terrific humility and hunger to adapt to his new position yet has still been bright offensively, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Rodrigo’s adaptation has been required because of Bielsa’s continued faith in Patrick Bamford. The 27-year-old has impressed in his first Premier League campaign and has struck three goals so far this season.
Bamford’s role in the team is vital as he instigates the high press and works relentlessly hard. Consequently, it has been up to Rodrigo to slide into a new position to gain starting minutes.
It is a credit to him and Bielsa’s coaching that he has succeeded in this seemingly uncomfortable role. You can read the full analysis of how Bielsa is helping Rodrigo in this new role here.
Liverpool’s White plan highlights Leeds savviness
After Virgil van Dijk suffered a knee ligament injury in last weekend’s Merseyside derby, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Brighton centre-back – and former Leeds loanee – Ben White, who has eased into life in the Premier League.
Per the Sun, Brighton are set to demand £50 million for White. The report also states Liverpool did speak to Brighton regarding White in the summer but deemed him too expensive given that he likely wasn’t going to play regularly.
That, though, was before losing van Dijk for an extended period of time.
From a Leeds perspective, while missing out on signing White permanently was disappointing, they brought in two centre-backs for less than two-thirds of the price that Brighton are now reportedly demanding.
Robin Koch has already produced several encouraging displays, while Llorente will compete for a starting role once he is fully fit.
It's just the latest example of the excellent work the club have done in the transfer market.
