Behich starred for Australia against France, and Leeds’ talent spotters should be keeping an eye out.
Leeds United’s hunt for a left-back is hardly a secret. The club have failed to replace the loss of Charlie Taylor from last summer, with Gaetano Berardi, Laurens De Bock and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson all failing.
The breakthrough talent of Tom Pearce has shown promise on the left side of defence, but the teenage star has also shown inexperience in decision making and a crossing ability that requires vast improvement.
Marcelo Bielsa must build a side capable of achieving promotion ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, and bringing in a left-back who boasts more experience than Pearce – and more quality than De Bock – is vital.
Indeed, Leeds’ talent spotters must be keeping an eye on the World Cup, and Australia left-back Aziz Behich will surely have taken their fancy despite his unfortunate own goal during the Aussies’ brave 2-1 loss to France.
The 27-year-old was in excellent form on the left side of the Socceroos’ defence, keeping the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele quiet during the first half.
He also made French right-back Benjamin Pavard look particularly average when going forward, with the French defender linked with a move to Tottenham of late.
Behich boasted plenty of speed and whipped a number of dangerous crosses into France’s box, while a dogged determination saw him win the ball back more times than not.
Currently turning out for Turkish side Bursaspor, Behich could be sold this summer for a knockdown price with only a year remaining on his contract. He impressed during 17-18, scoring five goals from the left flank as well as providing two assists.
Landing 24-cap Behich would finally end Leeds’ left-back woes and provide the Whites with another cog in the promotion machine.
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