Good Morning. It's Friday 8th October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Raphinha credited with a brace of assists Raphinha made a dream start to his International career, playing a major contribution in all three Brazilian goals last night. The explosive 24yo was thrown into action at half-time after trailing 1-0 to Venezuela. Tite's team has to wait until twenty minutes from time to draw level though. Raphinha's out swinging corner was headed in by Marquinhos for his first assist. His second major contribution came five minutes from time. His surging run down the middle of the pitch carved the Venezuelan defence in two, before threading the ball to Junior. Although the Real Madrid winger's shot was initially saved, the rebound fell nicely for Gabi, who was viciously hacked down in the box. He stepped up himself to take the lead from the 12 yard spot. Just to rub salt in the wound Brazil scored a third (and a second assist for Raph) in the sixth minute of injury time. Raphinha darted to the byline before cutting the ball back to Antony, who gave the keeper no chance, from close range. A fantastic debut for the Leeds No 10. No doubt, his price tag has probably shot through the roof following his performance, but so would his list of admirers! No doubt his services will be called upon on a more regular basis, which will probably hamper his Leeds career. Surely Bielsa is not going to risk playing him at Southampton next weekend? please log in to view this image Leeds best signing is behind the scenes What we have with the likes of Phillips, Raphinha and Meslier is pretty special, but we must not forget the man behind the scenes who makes it all happen. I'm not talking about Bielsa, I'm talking about Victor Orta. Not only was he the mastermind in bringing Raph and Meslier to LS11, but he was the contributing factor in convincing Phillips to stay at Elland Road when Villa were dangling a very tempting carrot two seasons ago. Orta was also solely responsible for bringing Llorente to Leeds, even after Bielsa said we didn't need him! The passion he has for our club is plain to see; he gives a new meaning to wearing his heart on his sleeve! please log in to view this image Personal terms agreed with Fernandez Personal terms have been agreed between Leeds and teenage sensation Mateo Fernandez. The 17 yo has been applying his trade with La Liga outfit Espanyol, but with his contract coming to an end at the end of the season, European clubs including Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona and Liverpool have been queuing at the door for his signature. Fernandez has a £1.2million release clause in his contract, but Leeds believe a fee of just over £400,000 should be sufficient. Although only 17, he would be expected to play a major part in thU23's. His physical strength and natural ability in front of goal, would certainly cause Mark Jackson some selection dilemma's, though it would mean that Gelhardt could join the senior ranks on a permanent basis, and prehaps even grace the field occasionally. please log in to view this image Costa drama Poor Helder Costa cannot catch a break, but he could have caught Covid! The 27yo was looking forward to international duty, with Angola in a World Cup qualifier against Gabon later today but during a stop over in Frankfurt, the pilot was diagnosed with the Corona Virus, and was forced to return to Spain! Early signs show that Costa's tests have returned negative, but having only managed 16 minutes of game time since his loan move to Valencia in the Summer, the former Wolves man must be wondering when will his luck change? please log in to view this image
Morning everyone i feel for gelherdt. Pulled out of england u20s to bolster u21s and never got a sniff. Just when is he going to get some game time. So bielsa did not want Llorente who is the best signing of the lot. He can defend and pick a sweet pass as well as carry the ball forward. So orta has made these signings to improve the squad so let's see some in action.
Gelhardt’s time will come and probably soon, especially as he is now mixing with players in the England U21 squad who are all valued at £20m minimum and some at almost £40m, so he will force his way onto the field soon. I agree that Orta is doing a great job but dont believe he would bring anyone to the club that Bielsa didnt ask for. Indeed the story I heard was that He was chuffed that they got Koch but found it amazing that Orta could get Llorente if he wanted, so told him to do it because Diego Llorente can play different roles and has great distribution and anticipation? Not doing a weekend debate this week as not feeling that great. Thanks to the National Covid Service who neglected me and my cancer for over 18 month's I’m now in the shyt and playing catch up thanks to Christies in Manchester, the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre that hasn't seen a patient in almost 2 years and is like a ghost town can go fk off. It deserves closing down. Been there a few times over the last couple of years for scans and bloods etc but no chance of seeing a doctor. The place is deserted yet when I forced my way into Christies the place is flat out busy and like ER on a home match 24/7. Chemo city for me because of the fk up at Clatterbridge and then probably need a life changing operation that I didnt need 2 years ago if they had opened their doors to cancer patients
Didn't know your situation Doc hope things get better for you. Been down the cancer and chemo path with my dad and know it's not easy so I wish you all the best of luck in your journey mate. As on the Orta and Bielsa topic isn't it a mutual thing Orta throws names at Bielsa to decide on. sure I watched something on him last year with him saying he always goes to Bielsa for the final word.
That is absolutely terrible. Medical negligence is big thing, but concentrate on a full recovery first!
Hang in there Doc and all the very best to you. This forum is nothing without you and your great insight
I’m sorry to hear that and wish you all the best. It’s one of the reasons I hope this collective world obsession on Covid ends. We have got to get on with life.
All the very best Doc, be strong against that horrible horrible illness, I for one shall miss the weekend debate you have offered to us, fight, sort it and look forward to you coming back to us all.
