The World Cup break has arrived and Leeds United find themselves sitting just two points above the relegation zone. United have played just 16 games in all competitions, but the head coach has managed to have a good look at his squad in that time.
He’s used 28 players in total, with Joel Robles, Mateo Joseph, Sonny Perkins and Darko Gyabi being the latest to pick up first-team minutes this season. As such, Marsch more than knows what he’s working with moving forward and having tried to keep changes to a minimum in league games, it seems he has got a grip of what is his best XI.
That best XI has changed throughout the course of the campaign as individual form fluctuates and it might alter once more in January, depending on the club’s activity in the transfer market. With that in mind, here’s a look at Leeds’ strongest line-up at this very moment in time.
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Goalkeeper: Illan Meslier
Meslier is the number one at Elland Road and that is unlikely to change any time soon. The Frenchman has been one of United’s best so far this season and he’s only getting better as he continues to develop and mature as a goalkeeper.
Joel Robles and Kristoffer Klaesson have provided competition for Meslier, but there’s no question about who the club’s first choice keeper is.
Defence: Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk
This has been Leeds’ backline more often than not this season and unless the club move to strengthen their defence in January, that will remain the case. Rasmus Kristensen has managed to establish himself ahead of Luke Ayling in the pecking order with displays over the last month or so, while Pascal Struijk is undoubtedly the club’s best option at left-back.
Robin Koch and Liam Cooper, despite their struggles against Tottenham Hotspur last time out, remain the obvious centre-back pairing, with Diego Llorente looking short of confidence during his last few outings.
Defensive midfield: Tyler Adams, Marc Roca
Again, this partnership looks settled at present and Marsch has had little reason to tinker with his options in the middle of the park. Adams has been one of Leeds’ best this season, with his outstanding performances in wins over Chelsea and Liverpool standing out.
Roca has complemented the American perfectly. Sam Greenwood made a difference in the win over Bournemouth earlier this month, while Darko Gyabi looked the part against Wolves, but they aren’t ready to claim a regular starting spot just yet.
Adam Forshaw will be looking to compete in the new year after struggling for fitness so far.
Attacking midfield: Luis Sinisterra, Brenden Aaronson, Crysencio Summerville
Ordinarily, Jack Harrison’s name would be involved in the club’s strongest XI, but when everyone is fit, right now it’s hard to look beyond Summerville as one of Leeds’ best options. Harrison started the season well and provided a creative option on the left wing, but his form has fallen off over the last few weeks and he has looked increasingly short of confidence.
He was replaced at half-time in the win over Bournemouth and he looked some way short of his best in the win over Liverpool, too. Summerville, on the other hand, has been thriving in the side and having bagged four goals in his last four league games, he’s forced his way into this best XI for the time being at least.
Few would argue with Aaronson's inclusion in this side, while Sinisterra has been Leeds’ chief threat when he’s been on the field. Unfortunately, due to injuries and suspension, supporters haven’t seen enough of the Colombian, but when he’s fit, he starts.
Striker: Rodrigo
Right now, Rodrigo is out on his own when it comes to attacking options. He’s bagged himself nine goals this season, including the brace he bagged in north London on Saturday, and he’s sitting fourth in the Premier League’s scoring charts.
The Spain international hasn’t always been at his best this season, but he knows where the back of the net is and his goalscoring flurries have been absolutely pivotal. Patrick Bamford has struggled to show his top form so far, as has Joe Gelhardt, who hasn’t found consistent minutes easy to come by.
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