Feel I ought to mention that neither Ayling nor Roberts looked like they were on the comeback trail. Both were as sharp as I've ever seen them. Ayling was pre- 'all the injuries' Ayling again. Yes I know it was 'only' the u23s, but nevertheless ...
Afternoon all, whilst it’s nice to read such positivity, I think we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground. Only seven games in and I still remember the enjoyment of other fans when we fell short.
I've been quite hard on Pablo this season so far, but I've been having a re-think. He's definitely not produced copious amounts of the sparkly football that he's capable of so far, but he has his moments. I'm beginning to wonder if he's been targeted more this season, and because of this Bielsa has him working harder off-ball, drawing opposition players away from the areas we don't want them to be in. Not an observation, btw, just a thought that he might have been forced into operating differently given the extra attention this season. Will try to keep an eye out to see if there's any substance to this. I can't think of any other reason that Bielsa would tolerate Pablo appearing to be so absolutely average.
Pablo like all the midfield get closed down a lot nowdays, will have games where hes closely marked and others when he thrives, but we have options now and need to use them, when opponents stop him playing.
Exactly why I would swap about by having Pablo play No10 with Costa on the right and Costa can also play 10 so if they man mark they got trouble
Correct. But the decision to send him out on loan was made without even watching him play in the flesh, as I recall. Don't believe he even got a minute in the pre-season games. And of course, not a sniff of playing this pre-season either as we were looking to get rid. Decisions on him made by video & heresay, by the looks. Would love to have a chat with him to hear his side. He could have been acting up due to the lack of minutes, for all we know.
Malik was never going to start for Leeds because Bielsa came in He is a Leeds kid born and bred like KP but comes from a rougher area in Chapeltown. He was an academy graduate who impressed and in 2015 earned a scholarship so was ine of Lucy Wards babies and in 2016 earned a contract. He has never played for the club and was sent out on loan in 2017 to Accrington Stanley where he played 18 times scoring 3. In 2018 he was sent out to Grimsby where he was pants playing 6 games without scoring. He was then sent out to Donny in January and signed again for them last season so he played 44 times scoring 14 goals. He did a great job at Donny as mostly played out wide and as main striker when required. A handy tool, but not a Bielsa player. He was sold for over a million as reward for his efforts and I wish him luck and hope he becomes a top striker in the Championship. He and Lewie Coyle are top top pro's but not good enough for the club right now. Coyle will be released in January so that Fleetwood can either give him a pay rise or cash in and sell him which will reward Coyle for his service. Coyle is one of the best players in League 1 as Wilks was last season, but Bielsa players? No afraid not but great Leeds seevants and wish them both well
Can I recommend that anyone who can watches Red Bull Saltzburg V Genk in the Champions League tonight. Have a look at the blonde destroyer up front and think about where he will be playing next season if we get promoted. Not sure who he is check Wiki and see who is dad is and where he was born and which club he supports.... I am hearing good things could happen and hes still only 19yo. Wish Wilks had his scoring record