After a fairy-tale return to the Premier League last campaign, second season syndrome looks to have hit Leeds United in a very hard way.
Season so far
Winless in the first six games of the season, Leeds have struggled with a lack of summer recruitment and a paper-thin squad. This has culminated in only nineteen points from their first nineteen games for the Whites.
Injuries have been one of the Yorkshire club’s downfall, with eleven players currently unavailable for selection. Leeds may sit eight points above the relegation zone, but that will be too close for comfort for Leeds fans.
The Manager
Marcelo Bielsa is into his fourth campaign as Leeds head coach, after guiding them to ninth place in the Premier League last season. However, this season has been a reality check for the Argentine.
If the Leeds United board can get players in this January that Bielsa feels will improve the current playing squad, as well as getting the injured players back into the squad, then Leeds have enough at their disposal to survive.
Player of the season so far
Signed from French club Rennes last season, Brazilian winger Raphinha has continued his impressive form from the previous campaign into the current one. He has shone brightest for Leeds, with eight goals and one assist from seventeen Premier League games putting the Brazilian in a league of his own.
With Bayern Munich reportedly interested in the 25-year-old, Leeds will be hoping Raphinha can stay to help secure them a third successive season in the top-flight.
Signing of the season
Besides Jack Harrison turning his loan move from Manchester City permanent, Leeds only signed three players other players in the summer. Young goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson was signed as a back-up to Illian Meslier, but has not played.
Leeds missed out on the signing of Daniel James two years ago when he was at Swansea City. When the opportunity to sign him from Manchester United in the summer arose, the Whites seized it.
However, two goals and two assists so far for the Welshman has not been the best return on the £25 million it cost Leeds for his services. But with the club’s current climate, anything is better than nothing.
Most disappointing player
There were calls for Gareth Southgate to select Jack Harrison for England after an outstanding debut campaign in the Premier League. Eight goals and eight assists was the target to beat this season, but Harrison has struggled to replicate last season’s form.
One goal and one assist so far this season has been a poor return for a player with clear potential. Bielsa and Leeds will be hoping Harrison can return to form in the second half of the season.
Grade so far: D-
