Leeds United ended their pre-season campaign with a stunning 6-2 win against Cagliari at Elland Road on Sunday evening, as Jesse Marsch’s imprint on the side became more clear – and here are three things learned:
Is Struijk the answer?
The left-back area is a position of concern for Leeds. Junior Firpo is injured, and many feel he should have been replaced anyway after a difficult first season. Stuart Dallas is sidelined until the new year.
So, a new left-back is needed – or is it? Leif Davis has gone, Jack Harrison was excellent on the wing. Options are limited but 22-year-old Pascal Struijk was good. Leeds will face better opposition, but he might save Leeds some cash.
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Concern at centre-back; Or Marsch’s system?
Defensively throughout pre-season, Leeds have been susceptible to the counter attack. It saw Crystal Palace equalise in Australia, and Cagliari got two in the second half. Is it the centre-backs, or is it Marsch’s system?
There is concern in the middle of the defence. Robin Koch has been a mainstay and with Struijk at left-back, Diego Llorente is partnering Koch. But it is the utter focus on attack that makes Leeds vulnerable. It is the system, at fault.
Aaronson dazzles in front of Leeds fans
What a performance from the young American. The £25million (GOAL) summer signing notched three assists – his first the pick of the bunch for Patrick Bamford to get his first, with a gorgeous pass from the outside of his foot.
It has been tricky for Aaronson to get involved so far but against Cagliari he was unleashed. His creation was superb against Cagliari and Leeds fans can begin to get excited by their new no.7.
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