The West Yorkshire club’s opening three summer acquisitions all appear likely to feature from the outset, highlighting the ambitions behind the club’s recruitment drive this transfer period.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Harry Wilson clearly both make the cut(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The side appears poised to kick off the campaign employing the three-four-two-one shape they concluded the previous season with, albeit now incorporating several fresh additions.
All three recent recruits look set to feature in the opening top-flight encounter against Nottingham Forest, underlining the quality of player the 49ers have pursued this summer. Nico Elvedi appears close to becoming the fourth newcomer.
Nonetheless, he is anticipated to serve initially as cover at the heart of defence, though he will challenge the current central defensive options for a regular starting berth. Two weeks of the transfer window naturally remain, but regarding the existing group, here is an assessment of Leeds’ optimal starting eleven.
Goalkeeper
Without question, James Trafford is the clear first-choice and supporters will hope that remains the case for several years ahead. In just 135 minutes of pre-season action, he has already demonstrated why he commanded a £40million fee by impressively showcasing his reading of the game, reflexes and distribution.
Trafford’s arrival only strengthens confidence throughout the backline, enabling them to play their natural game safe in the knowledge that a one-on-one scenario may not always result in a goal. Trafford will inevitably have off days and requires time to adjust and reach peak match fitness, but that should come relatively swiftly.
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Defence and wing-backs
Jayden Bogle will patrol the right side with his raids down the channel to support attacks, combining effectively with the attack-minded Joe Rodon at right-centre-back. Bogle has sometimes been deployed further forward while Rodon has occasionally operated wider. Their on-pitch understanding will prove crucial.
Beyond his forward surges, Rodon has also demonstrated solidity at the back and is arguably the fastest centre-half on the senior roster. A key member of the leadership group, he will partner fellow potential vice-captain Jaka Bijol.
Bijol appears perfectly suited to the central position of the back three given his aerial prowess, with occupying the middle role helping mask his relative lack of speed. That is not an issue for newcomer Tarik Muharemovic.
The Bosnian’s tactical awareness has caught the eye throughout pre-season, with both his defensive work and passing ability standing out. He could well develop into the side’s most important defender in due course.
On the left flank will be Gabriel Gudmundsson, once he has recovered from his hamstring problem. The timing of his forward runs and decision-making between advancing and holding position formed a crucial component of the wing-back system last term. He has expressed a desire to improve his goal and assist contributions on a personal level.
Midfield
Ethan Ampadu serves as the anchor, the pivotal figure, the deep-lying playmaker – choose whichever description fits best. He captains the side and provides the team’s driving force, and will always feature when available – or even when only partially fit, given his reliability.
As well as his general defensive covering and passing ability, his organisational qualities and capacity to launch long throws are significant, with three goals originating from such situations during pre-season. In many ways, he encapsulates everything positive about this Leeds side.
The position alongside him has generated more discussion throughout the summer due to Sean Longstaff’s performances, though Anton Stach represents the strongest option there, as he demonstrated in Saturday’s match against Augsburg. Set-piece prowess, physical strength and transitional qualities – including his ability to win back possession – make him a reliable choice following a year of adjusting to Premier League football.
Attack
Harry Wilson is still acclimatising to his new colleagues and tactical demands but his eagerness and early contributions suggest that once everything falls into place, he could be in fine form. He is having to adapt to operating in the wider number ten position on the right, having predominantly featured as a winger during his time at Fulham in recent seasons.
On the opposite flank, Noah Okafor will occupy his left number ten role, which transforms into a wider position depending on the situation. His readiness to take chances and provide that touch of quality proved essential in matches last term, particularly during the latter stages of the campaign.
Positively, he became less unpredictable and more productive as the season unfolded and he has also shown much greater effectiveness when contributing defensively. Should he build up his endurance levels, he possesses the potential to reach a higher standard.
Naturally, the main forward is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who notched 14 Premier League goals last term. He is invaluable to Leeds’ attacking approach beyond simply finding the net, with his ability to hold the ball up and combine with teammates crucial to advancing the side up the field.
Even when he goes without touches for periods, his movement can drag defenders out of position to create space for colleagues to exploit. He ranks among a select group of players who currently cannot be easily replaced by existing squad members.