Leeds United in their current incarnation are a joy to behold most weeks, playing attractive, effective football, they can be somewhat unpredictable for opponents.
That spontaneity, mixed with the diligent dossier-like preparation which goes into each and every fixture is reminiscent of the work conducted by Leeds United legend Don Revie during his spell as the club's manager.
While Revie had the benefit of working with players at the summit of the English game, Marcelo Bielsa does not have that luxury just yet. His achievement in returning Leeds to the Premier League after a 16-year exile though, saw celebrations in West Yorkshire of which the like had not been seen in years.
Here are five Leeds United legends who would have loved playing under the enigmatic Argentine boss.
Eddie Gray
Whether hugging the touchline or drifting infield, a fleet-footed Gray in his pomp would be a key component in a Bielsa side, carrying the ball forward in the direct manner the Argentine encourages. Gray’s movement on and off the ball would also pull opposition full-backs out of position, allowing on-coming central midfielders to exploit the extra space.
John Charles
Biesla’s desire for versatility in his players would see the likes of Charles flourish. At centre-back he could help build attacks from defence, while leading the line he could prove to be a deadly focal point. And given that Charles was good enough to adapt to an unfamiliar continental style and succeed after moving to Juventus also suggests he would have little trouble taking on Bielsa’s detailed instructions.
Billy Bremner
At the heart of Bielsa’s midfield, it’s inconceivable an-all action player like Bremner would be left out. If the Argentine manager wanted a player who could both press the opposition, turn the ball over, carry it forward, or distribute and support the attack, then he would need look no further than arguably Leeds’ greatest ever player.
Gary Speed
Playing off the left, Speed would exploit wide areas as well as coming inside to provide a goal threat and free up space for his overlapping full-back. His determination and hard work would also be exactly what Bielsa desires from his players, making Speed one of the first names on the team sheet.
Gary Kelly
Biesla’s use of speedy full-backs would be tailor-made for Kelly, who could bomb up and down the touchline, contributing to attacks and helping advance play.
The Argentine loves pattern play out wide and the rotations between Mateusz Klich, Raphinha and Kelly down the flanks would have been the stuff of dreams for a manager like Bielsa.
