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Ian Rush urges Leeds United to keep hold of ‘big’ players
Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush believes that Leeds United may finish in the top half of the Premier League table next season if they can keep their current group of players.
The Whites managed to get a crucial win over Brentford on the final day of the league competition to ensure their safety in the Premier League.
Rush, in his Gambling.com column, stated that Leeds’ current squad is good enough to finish in the top 10 if the players stay fit.
“It remains to be seen whether Jesse Marsch is the right man for the job. However, he has to get a fully fit squad to succeed next season,” he wrote. “The injuries completely ruined Leeds this season. They must retain their big players, such as Kelvin Phillips and Raphinha
“With the squad they have at the moment, Leeds can have realistic hopes of finishing in the top half next season, although there’s a lot of competition for the top 10 now.”
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After such a fantastic 2020-21 season in which Leeds finished ninth, many thought Marcelo Bielsa would build on the momentum and may have a say in the top 4 battle last season.
However, a 5-1 loss on an opening day at Old Trafford set the tone for a disappointing campaign. The biggest problem for Leeds was the fact that they were too open in the midfield and defensively as well.
The Whites conceded 79 goals in the 2021-22 Premier League season which was the second-worst record after relegated Norwich City.
Those numbers are just not good enough for any side and Leeds might consider themselves a bit lucky after securing their place in the top-flight football for another season.
The fans will be hoping that in the 2022-23 campaign, Leeds will make some notable additions to the squad, unlike the last season where huge investments in certain players failed to materialise as was expected and key players will stay fit throughout the campaign.
In other Leeds United news, this player is considering his options at Elland Road despite only signing last year.