Leeds United could be set for interesting changes under Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds United secured the services of new manager Marcelo Bielsa on Friday morning, and fans can expect a wild ride with the Argentinian on the boss at the helm.
The Whites sacked Paul Heckingbottom earlier this month after just 16 games in charge, and the maverick legend Bielsa is now heading to Elland Road on a two-year contract with an option of a third.
Bielsa will bring an innovative tactical approach, and that may well feature his famous 3-3-1-3 formation, with Leeds set for a huge summer of change at Elland Road.
Part of that change – and the tactical approach – may well feature positional changes, and here are three players who could play in new roles under Bielsa next season and beyond…
Gaetano Berardi
Swiss defender Berardi has been with the club for four years, mostly playing at left back or right back as a versatile defender. However, under Bielsa, he may well become even more versatile as a centre back in the three-man defence. Bielsa often turns full backs into central defenders due to their comfort on the ball, and Berardi fits the bill thanks to his aggressive streak.
Vurnon Anita
Another full back whose versatility could come in handy is Dutchman Anita. A holding midfielder or full back, Anita could follow in the footsteps of players like Gonzalo Jara, Gary Medel or Javi Martinez in switching to play in defence. The Dutchman is comfortable on the ball having come through the Ajax ranks, and Bielsa could yet save the veteran’s career thanks to his versatility.
Stuart Dallas
The wing backs under Bielsa tend to almost play as auxiliary wingers, and Dallas certainly fits there thanks to his work rate and endeavour. The Northern Ireland international may not fit as a pacey, touchline-hugging winger under Bielsa, but being an attacking wing back with defensive work rate could just see him transition to become a wing back under the Argentinian.
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