Journalist makes ‘no contest’ Leeds United squad claim ahead of match v Norwich City
Leeds United have a better squad this season than they had in the Premier League last time out, according to journalist James Marshment.
The Whites saw a large turnover of players in the summer transfer window following their relegation from the top flight in May.
Taking to Twitter on Thursday (19 October), TEAMtalk editor Marshment argued Leeds’ squad has actually got stronger since then.
“Leeds Utd’s potential bench on Saturday: Darlow, Ayling, Cooper, Cresswell, Shackleton, Gruev, Gnonto, Anthony, Bamford,” he said.
“Still to add Spence, Firpo & Dallas to the mix with Gelhardt and Poveda in reserve.
“No contest that the squad we have this season is better than last. #LUFC”
Has a point
Leeds brought in nine first-team players over the summer to offset the departures of a number of last season’s regulars, many of those leaving on initial loans.
Despite dropping down a tier, United were still able to bring in Premier League-quality players in Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Jaidon Anthony – the latter two on loan.
Then you add into the mix proven talents Joel Piroe, Glen Kamara and Sam Byram, and you have a squad crammed full of quality.
That is not to mention the fact that Archie Gray has stepped up another level this season, making himself pretty much undroppable.
Daniel Farke is also a far better coach than any that came before him at Elland Road last season, so it is hard to disagree with Marshment’s evaluation.
The proof will be in the pudding, though, and only promotion – even if via the play-offs – will do this season for a squad of this quality.
In other Leeds United news, a player who departed Elland Road in the summer is now proving supporters wrong.