Leeds left it late to complete their January transfer window activities, and the club’s best XI and bench are likely to appear different now.
Leeds signed Wales international full-back Connor Roberts on loan from Burnley until the end of the season on deadline day, but the 28-year-old arrived too late to play against Bristol City in the Championship on Friday night.
Roberts was introduced as a Leeds player at 11.15 p.m. on Thursday, but an even later agreement saw promising midfielder Sean McGurk sign a permanent contract with League Two club Swindon Town. Following Poveda’s earlier loan switch to Sheffield Wednesday, McGurk increased the number of Elland Road exits in the January window to nine.
Djed Spence, a Tottenham loanee, was first returned to his parent club before being loaned back out to Genoa, while Luke Ayling was then given the green light to move on loan to Middlesbrough in pursuit of more playing time.
A permanent departure followed, with teenage defender Leo Hjelde joining Sunderland. Darko Gyabi has left Plymouth Argyle on loan, as has Lewis Bate from MK Dons, and Jeremiah Mullen from Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The teenagers were all on the margins of the first-team squad, but Ayling and Spence were very much in the mix for a best XI and bench spot, even though everyone was fully fit.
But Roberts may now be added to the mix, and this is our vision for United’s new best XI and bench when everyone is available and fit.
1. GK: Illan Meslier
Clear first choice keeper.
2. Right Back: Connor Roberts
Archie Gray appears to be improving at right back, which is not surprising given that he is only 17 years old. But Gray is a natural centre midfielder, whilst Roberts is a specialist right back, a promotion-winning one with plenty of Premier League and international experience. It’s unlikely that he’ll stroll in right away, but the Burnley loanee will almost certainly start in a best XI at some point.
3. CB: Joe Rodon.
Since joining Leeds on a season-long loan from Tottenham, he has proven to be a beast in defence and would make an excellent permanent signing.
4. CB: Pascal Struijk.
A player who is consistently improving and frequently captains the team. Struijk is now injured, and the sooner he returns the better, but Ampadu is performing so well at centre-back in his absence that it could be a tough decision even when Struijk returns.
It’s a tight call between the fit-again Firpo and Sam Byram, who has had a fantastic first half of the season, but Firpo is currently racking up assists from left back and may get the nod. A close one. Connor Roberts could also be considered in this scenario.
6. CM: Ethan Ampadu.
What a bargain at £7 million from Chelsea, and another captain’s armband wearer. Recently playing at centre-back due to Struijk’s absence, but will undoubtedly return to the middle of the pitch in a best XI.
7. CM: Archie Gray.
It’s difficult to decide who will partner Ampadu in the middle of the park between Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev, and Grey, who might possibly benefit from a more delicate introduction as he matures and develops. However, it is evident how brilliant he is, and it is difficult to envisage the best Leeds XI without him.
8. LW: Crysencio Summerville.
Star player with 12 goals and seven assists. It’s difficult to tell who United’s finest player is, but Summerville is undoubtedly on the top of the list and a nightmare for defenders.
9. RW: Dan James.
End product was always a question mark, but ten goals and six assists have provided the ideal response.
10. ACM: Georginio Rutter.
Record signing who has lit up the Championship with five goals and nine assists – and could score much more. For a moment, he was United’s main no. 9 choice, but he is now almost likely no. 10 in the best XI.
11. ST: Patrick Bamford.
In recent weeks, he has returned to form and should be the first pick to lead the line.
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