Ever since Marcelo Bielsa arrived at Leeds United, the Yorkshire side have become a footballing side. A possession-based outfit, aiming to control the ball and attack – rather than playing on the counter.
It worked under Marcelo Bielsa, as the Argentine earned legendary status at Elland Road. He guided The Whites back to the Premier League, achieving a ninth-placed finish in Leeds’ first season back at the top.
Things have not changed following the arrival of Daniel Farke. While it might not be as chaotic as Bielsa’s Leeds, the focus on attack and desire to control the ball and possession remains under the German boss.
Again, Farke’s approach has worked in getting Leeds out of the Championship. But with the gap between the Championship and Premier League widening, Leeds have to change tack and play on the counter.
Leeds have not had a target man since Chris Wood left in 2017
The Whites may have to be a bit more direct in the Premier League, given it will be a whole lot harder to play out from the back and keep the ball. Southampton showed that sticking to their ethos doesn’t work.
Leeds will need to find a balance, and having a plan B is crucial. Leeds have not had a target man in years, even if Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford can win the odd aerial duel. Chris Wood is the last decent example.
Wood left Leeds in the summer of 2017 to join Burnley after a 30-goal season, joining The Clarets in a £15m deal. A year later, Leeds signed Bamford and he is the closest Leeds have had to an aerial threat.
If reports are true, Leeds can finally sign Wood replacement
That could all be about to change. Leeds are in ‘direct contact’ with German striker Davie Selke after the 6ft 5in striker scored 23 goals in 33 games and played a crucial role in Hamburg’s return to the top tier.
Leipzig are winning the race given Selke used to play for them, and the fact Selke has never actually left Germany. Fulham, West Ham and Watford are also interested, with Selke’s contract expiring on June 30.
Selke gives Leeds something different, something they have not had since Wood was at Elland Road. That ability to go long, to go aerially direct and to swing balls into the box from deep, key in the top tier.
If Leeds are going to be defending for large parts of a game, which they will be in the Premier League, then they need an outball. A threat from set-pieces. Selke provides just that, all for absolutely nothing.
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