Jesse Marsch kicked off his first full season as Leeds United manager by guiding his Whites side to a 4-0 win over Blackpool on Thursday night – and here are three things we learned from the comfortable victory in York.
A brilliant first-half display saw Leeds go into the break three to the good – Junior Firpo, Robin Koch and Rodrigo scoring. Numerous substitutes occured in the second 45, and Mateo Joseph made it four.
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Archie Gray is the future
Had you been a new fan of Leeds, watching for the first time and unaware of the details of each player – you would not have guessed Gray is still only 16. But it is a big sign of faith from Marsch to start him.
It was a strong side fielded by Marsch, the other 10 players being first-team members. But Gray partnered Marc Roca in midfield. You can tell he has Leeds blood – technically stunning, but he has that dirty side to him.
In his 72-minute display, he made north of four fouls. Tenacious, aggressive; Gray threw a couple of Blackpool players up in the air, but his work rate and array of passing was also superb. Leeds have a real gem on their hands.
How did Marc Roca get on?
There were a couple of signs of rust from the Spanish midfielder – the only summer signing included in the side by Marsch. Tyler Adams, Darko Gyabi and Luis Sinisterra have only joined the club this week.
Meanwhile, Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen have all been involved in international duty. They will all be on the plane to Australia. Roca started and clocked up 60 minutes during the 4-0 win.
What we learnt from his first 45 – Roca has a gorgeous left foot. Takes up some lovely positions as a deep-lying midfielder. But what is surprising about Roca, is he is willing to put the boot in do the dirty stuff. Good start.
Junior Firpo can save Leeds some cash
It was a dismal season for Firpo last term. Numerous injuries, twinned with some questionable form when on the pitch. His one saving grace? Starting to show signs of improvement towards the end of the season under Marsch.
But we must remember, that the injuries – as well as Covid – hampered Firpo. It was impossible to muster any momentum. From minute one on Thursday, £13million (Goal) signing Firpo looked sharp.
His quick-thinking created the first, sliding home for Koch. He got the second with a nice run and header. Yes, he dived in a couple of times defensively. But some have called for a new left-back, but Firpo can save some cash.
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