View: Marcelo Bielsa finally solves Leeds United midfield problems
Has Marcelo Bielsa finally solved the midfield problems at Leeds United?
The midfield is one area that has stuck like a sore thumb for the Whites, with no like for like replacement for Kalvin Phillips.
This has prompted Bielsa to search for dynamic midfielders in the transfer market, but they haven’t been successful in landing any of their targets in their last two transfer windows.
The prolonged absence of Phillips through injury this season has forced Bielsa into reshaping his structure, and it has worked following the return of some of his key players.
Adam Forshaw can play the Phillips role but he is better used elsewhere as he is more creative.
Robin Koch is a natural centre-back but he can bring stability and balance in the middle of the park if he is used as a holding midfielder.
Pascal Struijk has played before in the defensive midfield role. He acts as extra protection for the defence, and it is through this combing effect, that Bielsa has finally managed to resolve the problem.
Bielsa said (11 February) ahead of Everton clash, as quoted by Leeds Live: “That position that Kalvin plays, Forshaw Pascal and Robin none of them have failed in it.
“Each of them have a different profile, Forshaw is a more creative player when the plays in that position, Koch is a player who thinks about the equilibrium of the team defensively, and Pascal is a player that gives it a lot of presence and solidity in front of the defence and in some way through them, we’ve resolved the demands of that position.”
Obviously, neither Koch nor Struijk can match the brilliance of Phillips but collectively they are doing a decent job.
Bielsa has more tactical flexibility now as he can use either of them in midfield depending on the opposition. Both Koch and Struijk are equally comfortable playing at the back.
Having said that, these are merely short-term solutions. Also, at Leeds, it’s rare to find all the players fit and firing at the same time.
Leeds will need a new midfielder in the summer, but they can survive without one for the time being.
In other Leeds United news, Gary Lineker was left stunned by ‘Bonkers’ developments in Aston Villa draw this week