Leeds United have moved quickly to strengthen their defensive ranks, with the signing of Max Wober this morning. The Austria international joins from Jesse Marsch’s former club Red Bull Salzburg, penning a four-and-a-half year deal with the Whites.
Wober, who could be ready to feature in the FA Cup against Cardiff City on Sunday, is versatile and he can play at centre-back and left-back, giving the Whites head coach options at the back.
Here’s a look at a few ways Leeds’ backline could look with their new addition in the side.
Read more: Max Wober's first words after sealing 'amazing' Leeds United transfer
On the left
Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Wober
Pascal Struijk has spent the season in the left-back role for Leeds and despite performing relatively well there, he’s more comfortable playing as a centre-back. As such, Marsch could look to use Wober at left-back, where he has spent the season playing in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Liam Cooper and Robin Koch played well last time out against Newcastle United and using Wober at left-back would allow Marsch to keep that partnership together as Leeds move into what looks to be a pivotal point in the season. This option would be tough on Struijk, though, who has arguably been one of Leeds’ most consistent this season.
Struijk would still have a role to play in this season, coming off the bench, or potentially slotting in the middle in the event of injury or unavailability.
Centre-back changes
Kristensen, Koch, Wober, Struijk
Wober may have spent the season on the left, but he emerged through the ranks as a centre-back and the 24-year-old has spent most of his career so far in the role. As such, there could be some sense in playing the Austrian in the role he is most comfortable with while he settles into the life in West Yorkshire.
Marsch could look to play the left-footer in the middle and break up the partnership Koch and Cooper have built up this season. The skipper underlined his importance to the side at St James’ Park, but as a left-sided centre-back, his spot in the side could be most at risk if Wober is to play through the middle.
This option would reward Struijk for his performances on the left, though, even if he isn’t a specialist in the role. Rasmus Kristensen and Robin Koch look comfortable in the side at present and it’s fair to say most would have the pair in their strongest Leeds line-up.
A back five
Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Struijk, Wober
Marsch has tinkered with his formation lately and Wober’s arrival certainly gives the head coach the option of switching to five at the back if he deems it necessary. This would undoubtedly suit Rasmus Kristensen in possession as the Dane loves to get forward, with Koch able to cover the space behind him in the event of a counter attack.
It would also allow Wober to get forward if he deems it suitable to do so and give Leeds and overlapping option down the left. This might also be the best way to shoehorn Struijk, who Leeds quite rightly see a bright future for, into the team, sitting on the left of an experience centre-back line.
Of course, should Marsch opt to go with five at the back, it would have implications when it comes to his selection further up the field. However, the versatility of Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison may just allow for it, with the possibility of a switch in formation whilst on the ball.
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