‘I like Leeds’: Chris Wilder hails ‘different class’ Bielsa player v Norwich

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Chris Wilder labelled Raphinha as ‘different class’ during Leeds United’s 2-1 win against Norwich City on Sunday, as he told Match of the Day 2.

The former Sheffield United boss, whilst bigging up Leeds, stopped midway through and asked host Mark Chapman ‘what are you smiling at’ as he was praising the Yorkshire side.

He then stated that he likes Leeds and shared that there is some ‘history’ between the two.

Whilst Sheffield United are back in the Championship, they and Leeds had some battles during their days in England’s second-tier.

And it is a shame that fans weren’t allowed in stadiums when the duo locked horns last season in the Premier League because it would have been some atmosphere at Elland Road and Bramall Lane.

Nonetheless, this is what Wilder had to say about Leeds and one of their key players at Carrow Road yesterday.

“I think if he (Omobamidele) played against an experienced fullback, then he would have caused him problems today,” said Wilder.

“But I felt for the young man (Omobamidele). He played right-sided centre-half for the majority of the season and to then play in that position, it was a difficult afternoon for him.

“Marcelo likes to work with a small or smaller than usual. And they are huge players for them. Ayling’s a huge player. Bamford’s a huge player. What are you smiling at? (Wilder asked the host as he bigs up Leeds).

“I like Leeds. History. There is a little bit in there. Bamford and Ayling are huge players. Phillips coming back, an England international. And the boy today (Raphinha), he came back last week and today he was different class to anyone on the pitch.”

It’s pretty clear that Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford are Leeds’ key players.

If Bielsa can have at least two of them available – as he did yesterday – then it transforms their chances of putting three points on the board.

Raphinha and Phillips being at their best was a key reason why Bielsa’s side made sure that they opened a gap between themselves and the bottom-of-the-table club.

There’s no doubt that Norwich can still turn it around, but with only two points to their name this season, only two points from 20 games extending back to when they were last in the Premier League, probably proves it’s already game over for them already.