da bet sport： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
da 888casino： Leeds United could be left with very few numbers in defence with some top-name players looking likely to depart at the end of the season, regardless of whether or not Premier League status is achieved.
On the chalkboard
The Whites are currently the best defensive team in the Championship, letting in just seven goals so far this term. As a result, the likes of Ben White and Liam Cooper have established themselves as some of the league’s best, with White winning the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award back in August.
However, White will be returning to Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the campaign, whilst experienced and versatile defender Gaetano Berardi will be out of contact at the same time. This will leave just Cooper as the only senior out-and-out central defender, with Kalvin Phillips preferred in midfield and Luke Ayling needed at right-back.
With White having such a phenomenal season by averaging a rating of 7.33, it is tough to see Leeds luring him from Brighton permanently, especially considering the club failed to put in an option to buy on the loan deal.
Leeds’ decision not to recruit any more central defenders is already looking questionable with Cooper out injured, which leaves Marcelo Bielsa one defensive injury or suspension away from disaster. Luckily, Berardi’s red card was rescinded last week and the club now still has two fit and ready centre-backs available.
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Bielsa playing a dangerous game
If there is any league in European football in which you need to have strength in depth, it’s the Championship. The fiercely and unpredictable competition spans 46 games and still requires teams to battle on the FA Cup and EFL Cup fronts as well.
To survive in the second tier and to even consider yourself a contender for promotion, club’s must have strong numbers across the entire field. Last season, Championship winners Norwich City had up to five centre-backs compared to Leeds’ three right now, and the Canaries purchased the likes of Rocky Bushiri upon promotion to the top-flight to further add to their defensive stability.
Should the Whites get promoted, although they will play eight fewer games in the Premier League, they will require experience and quality more than ever to avoid the immediate return to the division below. Time will tell if Berardi signs on, but with White all but guaranteed to return to Brighton, Bielsa needs to seriously consider delving into the market not just in the summer, but perhaps in January as well.
The Argentine is going to need potentially another three additions to his backline, should Berardi and White leave. If not, the Leeds boss will be playing a very dangerous game.