Leeds United’s pre-season campaign has concluded and the squad is now focused on the Premier League season opener this weekend.
The club completed six matches across three nations in five different venues, finding the net 14 times. Notable victories came against European heavyweights Liverpool and RB Leipzig, while they also secured a draw with Manchester United.
The friendlies provided clarity on who would not feature in Daniel Farke’s plans going forward. Joe Gelhardt has already departed for Hull City, and Largie Ramazani was also omitted from the project.
James Trafford eventually arrived to bolster the squad, though it later transpired during pre-season that Sebastiaan Bornauw would be moving to Hamburg.
This development has led Leeds to pursue Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi, with the transfer expected to be finalized within the next couple of days. Before that announcement, here are five key takeaways from the pre-season schedule.
Formation choice
Farke’s intention to employ a three-man defence from the outset is now evident, though there were doubts about this approach earlier in the summer. Upon joining as a free agent, Harry Wilson had stated that Farke had confirmed his preferred system would utilise a four-man backline.
However, every match saw Farke opt for wing-backs, and this will remain his starting approach for now, though tactical adjustments during matches can be expected. Leeds switched to a four-man defence during the second half of last season and repeated this several times throughout pre-season.
The three-at-the-back shape therefore means Wilson will operate as the second wide playmaker, a position he must reacclimatise to after spending most of recent seasons on the right flank at Fulham.
Embracing an adventurous approach with ‘Joe Salah’
That moniker given by Farke following the Augsburg match may stick around, particularly if Joe Rodon keeps making his bursting runs down the right channel from his right centre-back position. These surges are not entirely novel, with glimpses of him racing up the right appearing at various points following the new year last campaign.
What stood out most this summer was the boldness of this tactic. At moments, Rodon positioned himself almost as the furthest player forward, with Jayden Bogle either tucking inside or staying wide behind him.
The shape when the goalkeeper has possession is ambitious, essentially a hybrid of 2-1-4-3 or even 2-1-6-1, with the other two central defenders splitting wide and allowing the holding midfielder to drop slightly ahead. Leeds are adopting an adventurous approach.
Leeds require a second-choice forward
This need existed before the summer but the six matches only reinforced the necessity for another striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin sat out the opening two fixtures, and while Leeds managed four goals during that period with both Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe contributing, the central attacking presence was noticeably absent.
Without Calvert-Lewin, the hold-up play and distribution through the central attacking zones suffered considerably. The risk of Leeds being undermanned should their primary forward miss extended time is apparent.
Piroe’s seemingly imminent departure, though beneficial for the player’s own career, further highlights that reinforcements are required before the transfer window closes. The requirement was evident previously but now it is unmistakably glaring.
Longstaff’s encouraging displays
One particularly positive aspect emerging from pre-season was Sean Longstaff’s performances. Apart from a shaky 45 minutes against Manchester United, the midfielder did everything possible to strengthen his case for a starting role.
He would have been understandably disappointed to miss out on the lineup for the Augsburg match, with Anton Stach delivering his most impressive performance of pre-season in that position. Nevertheless, Longstaff entered the field to win the turnover that led to the fourth goal.
Questions had lingered about whether he might seek an exit this summer after failing to start a Premier League match following November due to an ill-timed calf problem. However, he now appears ahead of both Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev in the selection hierarchy.
Promising academy talent
It is always encouraging to witness the club’s youth products receiving opportunities during pre-season, and several caught the attention. Among the most noteworthy from the young contingent was Callum Mills.
The forward, who openly embraces taking risks in his play, was effective and looked to exploit space behind opposition lines when the opportunity arose. Most impressive was his resilience in not allowing mistakes to affect his confidence, with his overall contribution earning specific praise from Farke after the victory over Augsburg.
Alfie Cresswell also received mention and performed reasonably well, though he occasionally struggled against more seasoned forwards. Jayden Lienou has been identified as having significant potential and justified that assessment during pre-season, even if another year of maturation seems necessary before senior involvement.
Paraag Marathe has emphasised the importance of increased progression from academy to first team, and the indicators are positive. While few of these players may feature at senior level this season, particularly in league competition, the trajectory of certain youngsters appears promising.