We look worse when Klich is not playing Also agree we have not adequately replaced Pablo, hopefully either Raph can be a hit at no10 or Geldhart can really push on and force his way into the first team , he is 19 or so , so if he is the " new Rooney" he should be getting some game time I do think / worry that we have decided to stand still this season and just stay up, hoping that Geldart, Greenwood, summerville, Dramah, Bate, Mcguirk and Cresswell will all be ready and good enough to step up and take us forward with a few top quality additions the following season? Dave On Monday, 13 September 2021, 15:23:03 BST, Kevin Lewis - UK SBS via Leedslist <[email protected]> wrote: I think it was Dave who noted that we have 2 points less than from the same matches last season. It is also 2 less than I’d have said is a reasonable return from the first 4 games. I have to say that my overall impression of the start is ‘worrying’.
When I look at the squad, it looks weaker than last season. For a start were actually lower on numbers with not even enough senior players to fill the bench when everyone is available! Firpo looks the opposite of an upgrade on Alioski to me, and they have let Davis, the only other natural left back with any 1st team experience, go. It was right to sign Harrison, and James will hopefully be an improvement on Costa. Whilst Forshaw getting back to fitness will be a bit of a bonus. After 2 years of injury will he be anything other than a deputy for Phillips or a ‘shoring-up’ option. It is also taking a risk having a back-up keeper with no relevant experience. Let’s hope Meslier does not get injured, although shell-shock seems more likely at this point. Or course the biggest gap right now is in the number 10 position. Neither Roberts or Rodrigo have ever looked comfortable there. Dallas and Klich are solid and hard-working when they play together, which may be the best option in certain games. If Bielsa’s masterplan is to play Raphinha there, why was it not tried towards the end of last season. Ayling, Dallas, Klich, Cooper, Rodrigo are all beyond 30 now and will not be improving even if not quite in decline. I’m especially disappointed with Rodrigo. Apart from being a bit of a ‘sick note’ I saw a few good finishes towards the end of last season in games the opposition were chasing, but he loses the ball too cheaply, too often. There might be a bit of hope for him as a striker if we had a ‘Hernandez’ to provide for him, but he will never make a 10. Roberts seems to provide the team with more impetus, but for a player who thinks he is a striker his composure in front of goal is non-existant as his goal-record underlines. Even with 4 recognised Centre Backs, the team has not found a reliable, regular partnership. Cooper is struggling and his much-vaunted organisational ability is not showing so far this season. Koch seems very injury prone and seems to have the propensity to give away penalties. Llorente has a mistake near the surface and has trouble keeping fit. Struijk is prone to the odd error too, but he is increasingly an imposing figure. I think with everyone available (if that ever happens) I would try to establish Llorente and Struijk there. But with one injured and the other suspended we could be in a real relegation fight by the time this could happen. Looking at the above it is very gloomy, but it could sort out a bit if there is an improvement in some areas. 2 wins from the next 3 and it won’t look half so bad. I just feel the overall numbers and lack of a number 10 are going to really hurt Leeds this season. KOT. Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows UK Shared Business Services Ltd. Registered in England and Wales as a limited company. Company number 6330639. Registered Office: Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 1FF. This email and any attachments are intended for the named addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify us immediately and do not disclose, distribute, or retain this email or any part of it. While we have taken every reasonable precaution to minimise risk of this e-mail or any attachments containing viruses, the recipient should carry out its own virus checks before opening the attachments. The Company does not accept any liability for any losses or damages which the recipient may sustain due to presence of any viruses. Any opinions expressed in this email (including attachments) are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the company's opinions. We will not accept responsibility for any commitments made by our employees outside the scope of our business. The Company reserves the right to monitor all e-mail communications through their networks for the purposes of preventing and detecting crime. _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/leedslist/ Rest in Peace Guy, and wear your hat! _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/leedslist/ Rest in Peace Guy, and wear your hat!
