Jordan Stevens made his debut for Leeds United against Stoke City.
Stevens came on as a substitute in the 76th minute of the Championship game at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as the West Yorkshire outfit lost 2-1.
Bielsa told Leeds Live: “He had a very specific role when he came on. He didn’t have any obligation regarding the development of the game. The outcome was already decided.
“And I think with his skills he could impose himself one-on-one. And also my idea was to put Pablo back in the midfield. And at the time Pablo was playing as a winger and I prefer to put Stevens as a left winger and Pablo as a No8.
“The role of Stevens was to focus the attetion of the opponent to open length to Alioski.”
Disappointing debut
It was Stevens’s competitive debut for Leeds, and it was not a memorable one for the 18-year-old, who can operate as a central midfielder or as a winger.
The former Forest Green Rovers man failed to impose himself on the game and could not make an impact.
According to WhoScored, the 18-year-old could have only three touches of the ball.
Bouncing back
The loss to Stoke will have come as a disappointment for Leeds, who will now be aiming to bounce back and maintain their place at the top of the Championship table.
The Whites will return to action this coming weekend when they take on Rotherham United away from home in the Championship.
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