Leeds United’s team selection against Port Vale could have a lot to say about their new manager’s opinion of his midfield options.
Given their pre-season form, it was no surprise to see Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips starting for Leeds United when they kicked off their Championship campaign against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.
The latter’s two-goal haul means he is un-droppable for the foreseeable future, while O’Kane looks set for a huge campaign at Elland Road, but what does that mean for the other three players vying for a place in midfield?
Tonight’s League Cup clash with Port Vale should give two of that trio a chance, with Ronaldo Vieira, Liam Bridcutt and summer signing Mateusz Klich all pushing to start. However Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen’s upcoming team selection could be a defining moment for whoever misses out.
It will prove who is, currently at least, the fifth choice option for that area, and while Leeds will need a big squad as they push for promotion back to the top flight, one player in particular could be left frustrated by his lack of starts.
On recent evidence, and based on his performances at the end of last season, former Leeds skipper Liam Bridcutt looks the most likely to miss out more often than not, although Vieira will also fear for his place having been a bit-part player over the summer.
That was in part due to his participation for England in the Toulon Tournament although he already has ground to make up.
Leeds have such a strong squad now that they can afford to disappoint a midfielder that would have previously been one of the first names on the team sheet.
Only time will tell who misses out this evening, yet while it could be bad news for him, it is great news for a Leeds side that finally has the squad capable of mounting a serious and prolonged promotion push.
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