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Contributions On The Leeds United Quagmire, The First XI Debate Takes Off.Sep 2nd, 10 / 0 Comments / Share this Entry
The Starting XI that will get us promoted or so says James. Following on from the editors missive yesterday Mr Dielhenn gives us his take.
Unless Simon Grayson dips into the loan market to further bolster his big squad, our transfer activity this summer is finished. And the finished article is a pretty impressive improvement on the squad that got promoted last season, but will leave fans endlessly debating who the strongest eleven are. So, here goes.
Kasper Schmeichel should be the first name on the team-sheet. No arguments there, surely. He has been fantastic so far, and looks like a Premier League goalkeeper in the making. The defence in front of him is the main concern. Paul Connolly looks like a decent addition at right-back, and I think he could grow into an established player for us. At left-back, Federico Bessone has been shaky, but is still better than Andy Hughes, who I think should have been released this summer. Left-back is still a problem area for us. I would omit Richard Naylor from the starting eleven. I know he’s the captain, and I’m sure he can still have an influence in the dressing room and on the training pitch, but I think he’s past it now. We paid quite a bit of money for Alex Bruce, so let’s stick him in Naylor’s place alongside Neill Collins. Admittedly Collins hasn’t been great this season either, but there is a lack of competition in that position. Paddy Kisnorbo is injured, and Leigh Bromby is average, so it will be interesting if Callum Davenport can add anything to our squad if he is signed up.
I think Neil Kilkenny and Jonny Howson pick themselves in central midfield. They both have the technique for this division, although they lack physicality. I think Bradley Johnson is too erratic and Adam Clayton too untested, so Kilkenny and Howson will probably be the preferred pairing of the majority of fans. We have plenty of options on the wings though. Sanchez Watt and Lloyd Sam have been good thus far, but I don’t think they will keep their place when other players return to fitness. Robert Snodgrass, for me, is a surefire starter on either the left or right. When fit, I rate him as our best attacking player. On the other wing I’d choose between Ross McCormack or Max Gradel. Both are also comfortable up-front, but I think they are better suited to an attacking role from the wing. I think the pace of Sam and Watt can impact a match from the bench. It’s also impossible to assess how Ramon Nunez may fit in.
Up-front, Luciano Becchio would definitely start in my team. I’m critical of his finishing ability, but paired with another striker who feeds off him, I think his work-rate is important. Although I’d definitely have another striker alongside Becchio, I think that position is currently up for grabs. Billy Paynter would probably get the nod when fit, as he knows where the back of the net is, unlike the Argentine. I know a lot of fans want to see Davide Somma given a fair chance – as do I – but I think Grayson is doing the right thing by protecting him from the spotlight. His rise so far has been quick and it’s important that his confidence isn’t shattered. The likes of Sam, Watt, Gradel, Snodgrass or McCormack could also partner Becchio up-front if their form makes them impossible to leave out. Mike Grella, let’s face it, will never be a first-team striker, and should probably go out on loan somewhere.
Schmeichel
Connolly Bruce Collins Bessone
Snodgrass Howson Kilkenny McCormack
Paynter Becchio
It’s all about opinions. This is mine. If you agree or disagree, voice your opinion below.
James Dielhenn.
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