Leeds United concluded pre-season on Tuesday night with an
unbeaten record. The 1-0 victory over Burton Albion was our sixth victory in
seven games and whilst all the opposition were of a lower standard then the
Npower Championship, pre-season is a time for regaining fitness and bonding as
a group. The results were a huge bonus and as Warnock said himself, the lads
will no doubt be pumped up for the Shrewsbury fixture and more importantly the
Wolves opener.
I’m always optimistic for the season opener, it’s a new start
and no matter how bad the pre-season or the outlook seems I can’t help but be
excited for a new season and what that may bring. But I’m still undecided about
how we will perform this season and where we will ultimately finish. In my eyes
the defence is vastly improved on last season. The addition of Peltier, who
reports suggest had a good debut and Adam Drury will give us much needed pace
in the full back positions. That is something that I can’t remember having on
both sides of defence since I’ve supported Leeds. Whilst the addition of Pearce
will no doubt shore up the defence with his never say die attitude. I believe
he will bring on Tom Lees considerably too and I’m hoping they can both be rock
solid this season. I think we still need another defender for back up with Kisnorbo
being the only recognised back up in truth. I know we have White who can play
left back and Lees and Peltier who can play multiple positions, but that’s not
enough.
The midfield is lacking in the creative, attacking quality
we had last season. However I think we will be harder to beat this season and
that will hopefully start with the midfield stopping attacks where they begin.
Austin will be vital for this if he adapts to the English game quick enough.
Wolves will be a much harder test then Burton Albion so I’m hoping he produces
the goods when it comes to the crunch. Norris hasn’t had a full pre season, so I
don’t know if I expect him to start much at the beginning of the season, Green
has shown glimpses of creativity and if he can set up the attacks whilst
getting stuck in on the tackling side I’ll be happy. We all know what Michael Brown
does and if he can stay out of the book (wishful thinking I know) he could
surprise us this season, who knows. Warnock knows him well and even if he doesn’t
impress on the pitch, his influence on the rest of the squad could prove
invaluable. Robbie Rogers seemed to start pre-season well but hasn’t got much
game time in recent weeks. I for one would like him to be given more of a
chance. As for Pugh, well Pugh’s.....Pugh.
Ross McCormack and Luciano Becchio are key this season. Their
partnership needs to be blossoming from day one, and they need to be banging
those goals in. McCormack can create a chance out of anything and loves a shot,
whilst Becchio is probably the best header of a ball in the opposition’s box I’ve
seen at Leeds. Andy gray hasn’t exactly lit up the games he’s played in, but is
apparently one of the fittest at the club so should give his all. Somma should
be back around October- December time, but I’m not sure he’ll be the same
player. He suffered a similar injury to the one that finished off Bridges and the
omens don’t look good.
The youngsters have looked promising with Sam Byram and
Dominic Poleon impressing. As Warnock has said himself, I think the youngsters
will feature quite heavily this season, so let’s hope their youthful exuberance
and ability can help us across the line this season. We need a tricky winger, a
striker and another defender, and then I’ll be more confident in our ability to
win games and challenge this season. Let’s hope Warnock gets his icing and his
cherries to finish off his sturdy looking, but rather plain cake.
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