Leeds United look set to start the season in the 3-4-2-1 formation they finished with last season, albeit with a few new faces.
All three new signings are expected to start the opening Premier League game against Nottingham Forest, showing the calibre of player the 49ers have sought after this summer. Nico Elvedi is soon set to become the fourth arrival.
However, he is likely only going to be a back-up at centre-back initially albeit will push the existing centre-half options for their place. There are still two weeks of the transfer window to go of course but in regards to the current crop, we analyse Leeds’ best starting XI.
Goalkeeper
Undoubtedly, James Trafford is the firm number one and will hopefully be so for the next few years. Already, in just 135 minutes of pre-season football, he has shown why he cost £40million by excellently demonstrating his anticipation, shot-stopping and kicking.
Trafford’s presence only adds belief to the defence, allowing them to play their own game and be confident that a one-on-one situation might not always end in a goal. Trafford won’t be perfect and will need time to bed in to get the match sharpness up to full tilt but that will come fairly quickly.
Defence and wing-backs
Jayden Bogle will occupy the right flank with his advances up the channel to join the attack – and dovetail with the adventurous Joe Rodon at right-centre-back. Bogle at times has been seen as a second striker and Rodon as a winger. The pair’s on-pitch bond will be important.
Besides his runs, Rodon has shown to be defensively assured too and is probably the quickest centre-half on the senior books. Part of the core leadership group, he will play alongside fellow vice-captain option Jaka Bijol.
Bijol looks well at home in the central berth of the back three with his heading ability clear while adopting the central role means his lack of pace can be accounted for. Because new boy Tarik Muharemovic is no slow-coach.
The Bosnian’s football intelligence has shone through this pre-season with his defensive efforts and passing both catching the eye. He could easily become the most prominent defender in time.
On the left will be Gabriel Gudmundsson, once he recovers from his hamstring injury. The timing of his runs and knowing when to go and stay was a vital cog in the wing-back system last year. He says he wants to add more goals and assists to his game on a personal level.
Midfield
Ethan Ampadu is the rock, the linchpin, the quarter-back – use whatever analogy you wish. He is the captain and the engine of the team and will always start when fit – or even just half fit, given his track record.
Not only is his general mopping up and distribution vital but also his communication and long-throw ability, from which three goals were scored this pre-season. In a way, he is the embodiment of everything good about this Leeds team.
The slot next to him has caused more debate this summer amid Sean Longstaff’s form but Anton Stach is the strongest option there, as he showed against Augsburg on Saturday. Set-pieces, strength and transition play – including his turnover ability – makes him an assured option after a year of Premier League acclimatisation.
Attack
Harry Wilson is still getting used to his new teammates and tactics but his intent and actions so far have given hope that once things click, he could be on a roll. He is having to get used to the wide 10 slot on the right, after mostly played as a winger at Fulham in recent years.
The other side will see Noah Okafor take up his left-10 position, which morphs into a winger role depending on the phase of play. His willingness to take a risk and add that stardust was vital in games last season, particularly so in the back end of it.
Encouragingly he became less erratic and more successful as the season progressed and he has also been much more effective when helping out going the other way too. If he builds up his stamina, he could go to that next level.
Of course, the main striker is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored 14 Premier League goals last season. He is so vital to Leeds’ attacking outlay besides his strikes, though, with his hold-up play and link-up abilities integral to moving Leeds up the pitch.
Even if he does not touch the ball for a while, his movement can take defenders away to allow space for others to drive into. He is one of a handful of players who are currently irreplaceable among squad options.
