Just to be clear - Halme wasn't 'got rid of'. He was valued by Bielsa, but it was the player himself that pushed for the move as he wanted regular football. Perfectly understandable, as he was well down the CB pecking order. I honestly believe that Struijk is better than Halme & could successfully step in if required. The big Belgian is a mix of the better points of Cooper & Jansson. Young & inexperienced though, so although capable physically, tactically etc., mentally is always the great unknown for the step up.
Totally agree and been waiting for it to happen. Dallas now to play left back not his side is it?. Very weak in good defensive cover and where is davis?.
He didn't look injured & didn't take a heavy clatter as I remember. Wondering if it's just a wee strain. Puzzled why Davis isn't being considered. Unless we're going 3 at the back with White, Berra & Davis? Also might explain why Berardi started at LB yesterday - perhaps they already knew that Douglas was out, but only realised that Alioski was crocked at half time? If that's correct, then Cooper must be the most recent development. Just read this back for the inevitable spelling mistakes & realised that whilst there's an outside chance it might be true, it's more likely to be absolutely ridiculous assumptions on my part.
Leif Davies was left back for U23s but overlooked for Berardi? Berardi can play CB but going to LB which means Davies will probably be CB. But I agree with WJ Struijk is the real deal but think Hossanah could be better?
Hosannah has a lot to learn imo. As a CB, he's a good RB. He had 2 awful 2 yard 'clearences' yesterday, & a few tangles with big boys. But he got away with it. i'm wondering if there's a little self-doubt that will hopefully fade away as he becomes more familiar with the role. My impression is that he's filled out a little, but ironically is still lanky. Makes me wonder if he's lost a bit of pace as he's been physically growing, or if it's a simple case of him learning his second role. He's keeping Casey out of the team, who looks the real deal too, but I've only seen him the once, tbf. Hoping to take in some u18 games this year. The squad is bristling with talent - more so than ever before, I think. Really want to see Kenneh in action.
Kenneh is a bit like Moise Kean and hes super quick and powerful. Lots of clubs chasing this kid. Bryce Hossanah was the best right back at the club (Corberan and Cresswell) then he got injured and took a while to get fit again and finally got back late last season. He still has RB down pat but saw him at CB yesterday and if you saw the run he made from defence into their box and fed Nhketia who missed a sitter... going to be special this kid. Agree about bits of his play yesterday but the sliced clearance damaged his right shoulder but he carried on. Looked like he was a bit unbalanced later as struggling with the shoulder when running as he got caught on the same injury later. He is cool and relaxed, feisty and fast.
Yep, don't disagree. Deffo one for the future, and was well impressed by that run up the middle. Still learning, and when you're learning, there's always that wee bit of self doubt, which I have every confidence that he'll overcome. Soon. Seems to be getting developed in the way that Davis was, which is a good thing.
So what to do? Just watched the Leeds documentary 1-5 and its been great and compulsive viewing but do I want to watch episode 6 because i have an idea what happens. One thing I will do though is make sure I never slag off a Bielsa player for not trying. I hope the Leeds fans give Pontus a good reception tomoz and in the words of Bielsa today " Pontus was Leeds best player last season and deserves thanks"
Are our players made of straw FFS. How can we have possibly 3 injuries, 3 games in?? Agree on the reception for Pontus, but if he was our best player last season it makes it all the more odd that he lining up against us tomorrow.
So many Championship games on Sky tonight don’t know which one to watch - so many teams I want to lose. Derby 0-1 Bristol City
Yep. Suppose I was just hoping that Halme would step up and be a better option than Berardi at centre half. Anyone but Berardi at centre half to be honest. He's ok as a filler inner but looks like he will get 20+ appearances this season with our injury record. I'm not sure a team looking at promotion would sign a Berardi as primary cover. As always, I'm happy to defer to Bielsa. It's just my opinion that we are light at CB.