Good Morning. It's Wednesday 14th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Pope's brutal assessment: Only seven Leeds players good enough for PL BBC Sport commentator Adam Pope recently delivered a blunt assessment, suggesting that only a handful of current Leeds players possess the qualities necessary to thrive in the Premier League. In Pope's view, just seven individuals are genuinely equipped to make the step up. Pope identified Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, AO Tanaka, Pascal Struijk, and Dan James as players he believes are capable of holding their own in the Premier League. While acknowledging the potential of Willy Gnonto and the clinical finishing of Joel Piroe, Pope tempered his praise. He noted that Gnonto's potential is yet to be fully realised, and questioned whether Piroe possesses the blistering pace often associated with Premier League strikers. This stark assessment places significant pressure on Daniel Farke, Adam Underwood, Alex Davies, and the 49ers ownership group. They face crucial decisions in the upcoming summer transfer window. Identifying and retaining the players capable of performing in the Premier League will be paramount. The club must also address the areas where the current squad falls short, potentially through strategic acquisitions. Pope's analysis serves as a sobering reminder that a Championship-caliber team requires significant upgrades to compete effectively in the Premier League, and funds are restricted to to FFP regulations. please log in to view this image Could Maeda replicate his form in the top flight with Leeds Leeds United's reported interest in Celtic's Daizen Maeda has sparked a fascinating debate: can the Japanese international translate his impressive Scottish Premiership form to the demanding landscape of the Premier League? With 33 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, Maeda has undoubtedly caught the eye. However, the leap from the Scottish top flight to the English one is a significant one. Maeda's quality is undeniable. His work rate is relentless, his pace is electrifying, and his finishing has demonstrably improved this season. He's a dynamic player who contributes both goals and assists, making him a valuable asset in any attacking setup. His international experience alongside Ao Tanaka further strengthens his profile, suggesting a player capable of adapting to different environments. The reported £25 million price tag represents a significant investment for Leeds United, especially considering their financial fair play restrictions. This sum could consume a substantial portion of their summer spending budget. Therefore, the club needs to carefully weigh the potential reward against the risk of Maeda struggling to adapt. While the quality of the Scottish Premiership may be closer to the English Championship, judging Maeda solely on the league's overall standing is an oversimplification. Ultimately, whether Daizen Maeda can replicate his form in the Premier League depends on his adaptability, his ability to handle the increased physicality, and the tactical system he's integrated into. He possesses the raw talent and work ethic, but only time will tell if he can truly shine on English soil. please log in to view this image Leeds eyeing Hammers defender Vladimir Coufal Respected West Ham fanzine Claretandhugh reports that Leeds United are considering a move for veteran right-back Vladimir Coufal this Summer. The interest comes as Leeds look to bolster their squad with Premier League experience as they aim to solidify their position in the top flight. Coufal, the 32-year-old Czech international, has been a reliable and respected figure at West Ham. However, he has been informed that he is surplus to requirements and will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. His professionalism and dedication have made him a fan favorite, and his potential departure marks the end of an era. Leeds are in need of reinforcements at right-back, with Jayden Bogle currently the only specialist in that position. Coufal's experience and defensive capabilities could provide valuable cover and competition, making him a potentially shrewd acquisition for the club. please log in to view this image
Morning all. Hard to argue with popeys analysis. If correct that’s some rebuilding job ahead and we can forget about 50 or 60m doing it. There will have to be some clever accounting or psr workarounds to get around the problem. Doesn’t make it easy to attract players either if they know they’re signing up for a relegation battle. Big big job ahead
Morning all I’d take 7 as good enough, that would be remarkable if true. The reality is there are probably far less than 7. Struijk has already shown he struggled at the top level, James never shone, Rodon was surplus to requirements in a struggling side, out of those mentioned Gnonto was the only one who looked capable at times and if I remember right it was when he played left side.
Amount of loanees is very restricted in pl. Isn't it two or something. It's a massive challenge ahead. Survival in pl probably a lot tougher than winning championship.
Loaning other teams PL players is tricky, if they are not good enough for the parent club why would they be good enough for us. Ipswich loaned Cajuste from Napoli and KP from City, can you think of a success in the PL where one player is playing for a different club
I suppose to give some benefit of the doubt Struyk and James didn’t play under Farke in pl. you’d hope having coached them for two seasons he might be able to get more out of them than dunderhead Marsch or subsequent dodo managers
Not any manager’s fault that struijk turns like a supertanker It was compounded by his decision making, and his confidence went. He may be better now with maturity. Thing is we played a high line under Bielsa, Marsch and Farke… it exposes your defence in transition especially when your fullbacks have bombed down the line. It’s one thing dominating the ball in the champ… another getting constantly hit in transition or long spells under the cosh in the PL. in other words firpo, bogle and struijk look great in the championship, playing attacking possession-based football. Historically all 3 have been found wanting when the tables are turned in the PL. Not writing them off (seems Firpo won’t be here anyway) but it’s possible to be a great championship player in a dominant team and look totally out of your depth in the PL. Hope that’s not the case obviously!
I seem to remember Struijk played at left back a lot in the PL and a left back he ain’t as he hasn’t any pace.
yep and all Jesse's fault. The fact that Bielsa played him there first... and as a DM, is often overlooked Think Firpo was crocked and he did spend a chunk of his PL time at left back under marsch particularly. Agree its not fair to judge him on that. He's good on the ball for a big guy, hope he can cut it second time round in his best position if selected.
Think, if you recall - Struijk was never the same after the Harvey Elliot incident. Think it ruined his remaining time in the Premier League. The ref in that incident should have been ashamed he sent him off for that challenge.
You'd expect Byram and Firpo to leave. New left back needed. One more full back needed as cover with Schmidt. I'd genuinely keep Byram for another year as squad filler. He's on peanuts and has PL experience.
On Struijk. He's fine in the PL until his confidence takes a hit and then his form drops off massively and he starts making wrong decisions. It happened twice,once under Bielsa and once under Marsch. Its not a manager problem, its a player problem. His confidence will take a hit at some point due to the standard of player he will be up against. I'd certainly be looking to bring a left sided centre half in to fight him for that spot. We'll need Ampadu in midfield next year with his leadership, battling qualities and reading of the game. He gives us a physical presence which Tanaka and Gruev lack.
This might be controversial but Tanaka might get picked off in the PL. He was a bit sloppy towards the back end of the season and got caught in possession too often. Teams will press us more vigorously in the top division and I fear that he will cost us if he can't adapt quickly. We need another CM to play with Ampadu if Tanaka cracks under the press.
No as he isn't great at defending, just like Firpo on the opposite flank and similar to Leif Davis for Ipswich this season
Yeah I’d agree, I also think Ampadu could be suspect in the PL, equally both could adapt really well. Think Tanaka certainly has a lot of potential. But would be happy with us bringing in 1 or even 2 players that can play in the 6/8, think Doucoure on a free and Longstaff for 10m would be ideal. Cheap, money can go on wages and if none of our CMs cut it we’ve got 2 very capable PL CMs.
Honestly seen enough of Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Tanaka, Ampadu, Gruev, James, Gnoto & Piroe to suggest all could do a job and potentially flourish in the PL however all could equally not be good enough too. The difference in leagues is huge but buy in the right players to go alongside there’s no reason why a handful couldn’t flourish or be enough which is all we need for next season.
I think most of these players fit into the realm of... good enough to play in the prem but only with other prem standard players around them, ie not good enough to carry others. In short we'll have no room for passengers. I think Amps might cut it better at centre half than midfield in the PL Emu... don't think the tanaka concern is controversial. Lovely footballer but that can fall apart with the faster pace against better athletes... also there may be stamina issues i think as he looked great when fresh but poor when not. He might need rotating - though there are fewer games in the PL which should help. Guess we'll find out.
Ok so doing the sums. Popey reckons we’ve five or maybe seven pl standard. On any given match day we’ll need 16 to allow for the usual substitutes everyone utilizes. Factor in there will be inevitably three or four injured at all times. That’s a minimum of 13 players we need and still wouldn’t have any strength in depth. all to be done with a budget somewhere between 60 and 100m. Doesn’t make great reading does it
