Jesse Marsch held his first Leeds United press conference on Thursday afternoon and was full of praise for Stuart Dallas. He said he has already noticed that Dallas is one of the “hardest-working” players in the squad.
Marsch, 48, is preparing his Leeds side for his first game in charge – an away clash against Leicester City on Saturday lunchtime. A tricky game, especially given the circumstances that he and Leeds find themselves.
With 12 Premier League matches to play, Leeds are sitting dangerously above the relegation zone by the skin of their teeth. Just two points separate the Whites and 18th-placed Burnley, who lost to Leicester mid-week.
Marsch was asked about the Leeds squad and singled out Northern Ireland Dallas for praise, who might go down as one of the club’s best ever signings – given he cost Leeds just £1.3million (Sky Sports) back in 2015.
“Dallas is one of the hardest workers and strongest young men clear with how he needs to work with the team,” Marsch said, when discussing the versatile midfielder ahead of Saturday’s trip to take on Brendan Rodgers.
Marsch on Dallas: Where could Leeds star play in 4-2-2-2 set-up?
Marsch is synonymous with the Ralf Rangnick style line-up, which is attack minded and based around the famous gegenpress. Kalvin Phillips remains sidelined, while Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo are both fit.
So, if Dallas does start, the chances are that he will partner Adam Forshaw in the middle of the park. Diego Llorente remains an injury concern, so it might be that Pascal Struijk is partnered by Robin Koch at centre-back.
Out wide, it will be a choice of Jack Harrison, Raphinha and Dan James – but if Marsch does adopt his 4-2-2-2 system – it might see James partner Rodrigo up top. Joe Gelhardt could also be a surprise inclusion in the side.
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