Marcelo Bielsa claims Gareth Southgate’s interest in Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling is recognition of Leeds’ progress.
The two Leeds players are on Southgate’s radar and it is understood the England boss could hand Bamford a first call-up for the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifiers this month.
Ayling is expected to miss the cut, but Southgate is impressed with his performances in his first Premier League campaign.
Kalvin Phillips is already an England regular and Bielsa says this is a sign of the club’s development under chairman Andrea Radrizzani.
“It’s recognition first of all for the players,” said the Leeds head coach. “Second, it’s recognition for the project of the club, the structure of the squad to compete in the Premier League.
“It’s a project that’s been developed by the president of the club, the sporting director and the technical staff.
“So it’s an achievement that makes the players proud and shows the club’s plan is the correct one.”
Bamford is the third top English scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals and Bielsa loves his all-round game.
The former Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Burnley striker has also contributed five assists and is the ideal No 9 for Bielsa’s style.
“Bamford contributes goals, he makes runs, runs in behind and he is a presence in the box,” said the former Argentina and Chile coach.
“He has a combativeness to recover the ball and he is always involved throughout the game.”
Bielsa also loves Ayling and says the former Arsenal trainee has performed well this season at right-back and centre-half.
“He’s one of the players who has shone the most in our team,” said Bielsa.
“He's a player who can play out wide or in the centre, in a back four or back three.
“He has the capacity to attack and has a good aerial game. He is good on the ball and passes well.”
Leeds’ squad is littered with internationals, which underlines their progress, and Bielsa is delighted Diego Llorente’s fine form has earned him a Spain recall.
Llorente has started Leeds’ last four games after being blighted by groin and hamstring trouble since his £18millon move from Real Sociedad in October.
“To be called up by a national team of the level of Spain is always recognition of what the player is producing,” said Bielsa.
“Luis Enrique has evaluated that he is ready to return to the national team and it is a big recognition for him.”
