Good Morning. It's Wednesday 13th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Archie can finally shake off '17yo tag line' Archie Gray can finally shake off the '17yo' tag line that has become synonymous every time he's kicked a ball this season. With over 3000 minutes on the clock already, Gray has become an essential part of Daniel Farke's set up. This may be his maiden season in the first team, but he has already been recognised as Leeds best tackler in the side. His efforts on the pitch have not gone unnoticed. He has been linked with a £50m Summer move to Anfield, though much will depend on what division Leeds find themselves in next season. You have to feel sorry for the lad. He couldn't even step into a club or bar with his mates - but not any more..... Now that he has turned 18, maybe now Gray can be recognised more for his talents, rather than his age. He could receive a late Birthday present in the form of an England U21 call up from team Manager Lee Carsley for their forthcoming matches against Azerbaijan and Luxemburg. please log in to view this image Can Firpo do a job in the top flight Junior Firpo has long been a target for the Elland Road boo boys, but under the guidance of Daniel Farke, the 27yo may prove his doubters wrong. After missing the majority of the first half of the season due to injury, Firpo had slipped off the radar of most Leeds fans. A new left back was top of their Christmas wish list coming into the January transfer window, yet Leeds held firm, even after returning Djed Spence back to Spurs in disgrace. In eleven starts, and a total of 1041 minutes of Championship game time, the Dominican Republic International has contributed five assists, the fourth highest in the squad. His all round contributions have massively improved too. With a 'Whoscored' ranking of 6.94, Firpo has risen to seventh in the Leeds Utd's ratings. Just like Marcelo Bielsa achieved with Liam Cooper, it seems that Daniel Farke is starting to get the best out the former Barcelona defender. Bearing this in mind, if Leeds were to achieve promotion next season, would you like to see Firpo stay? please log in to view this image
I think firpo is a good attacking fullback especially in transition when he bombs forward. He’s just not up to it defensively and if we’re in the PL next season it will just get highlighted on a weekly basis by sides who have more of the ball and with better/quicker/stronger attackers. I’m pleased his form has picked up - for him and for us… so credit to him for his contributions and assists this season.
I would like to ask a real probing question on here. How many of our players in the current squad do you think are good enough for the PL if we get promoted
I would add to that, Bamford at his best, Meslier at his best and, possibly Gruev. Not saying we couldn’t upgrade but very much doubt we will see five or six changes to the starting eleven if we went up (and neither should we imo). Kamara would possibly do ok against bottom half teams too. I am certain when Brighton, Newcastle, Brentford and Bournemouth got promoted they added extra quality to the core of the team rather than ripping the script up. Patience (and there’s the problem) and good scouting would be the key elements for long term stability at a higher level. Alternative question, let’s say we had the money and did a Chelsea throwing money at every available player, who would be happy with that, especially if the likes of Ampadu (happened to him at Chelsea), Gray (maybe not ready to be a dominant force in central midfield and certainly not right back in the EPL) and Summerville were included in those replaced?
Morning all. My feelings re a return to the pl have changed one bit. This season has been such a pleasant change. I realise we can’t continue in championship indefinitely but I won’t be expecting anything other than a bottom four or five finish next season if promoted
Yes, it has been a pleasant change, UNLESS the end of the season. If we don't go up, it will be the same as last Summer!!
if we've learnt one thing since the Marcello glory days is that no player is irreplaceable. Who'd have thought three years ago that today wed have no Raphinha, Harrison or Philips, be in championship, but thriving in it and fans loving it
if you'd told me we'd have no raphinha, no philips and no harrison... i'd have told you we'd be in the championship
As for what players are PL standard? For me it depends on a winning style/formula and the quality of players around them. Very few of Bielsa's lot were PL standard but did ok for a season playing to set style. I think the guys emu named are about it in terms of who might make the grade... but it likely depends on whether they're expected to be the best players in the team... or viable squad players. Do we have a PL manager? Who knows? .. his record in the champ is amazing. His record in the PL is diabolical, his record in the bundesliga was average. As for how things would pan out if he was given a better deck to play with than at Norwich? Well hopefully we'll get to find out.
Let’s start with what Elland? Meslier has not improved, if he had he would be in the French senior squad.
