Leeds United's Wober help from Rangnick, digs out lazy…

Leeds United's Wober help from Rangnick, digs out lazy teammates and one vs one boss

Leeds United’s January transfer window is up and running within 72 hours of it opening. Max Wober has arrived at Elland Road from Red Bull Salzburg, but who is he and what could he bring to West Yorkshire?

LeedsLive spoke to two journalists following the Austrian Bundesliga giants and got their thoughts on Wober’s strengths, weaknesses and best position. Aleksandar Andonov, head of sport at Salzburg24, and Michael Unverdorben, sports editor at Salzburger Nachrichten, were kind enough to give us their time.

What is Max's best position? Leeds need a left-back and there are some concerns Max is not a natural in this role.

MU: In my opinion, he is a classic central defender, strong in the air, robust and with a good overview and opening of the game. In Salzburg, however, he has played more often on the left than in the centre this season.

The fans didn't like that too much, but the statistics speak for him. In my opinion, he's also too slow as a left-back. Austria's team boss, Ralf Rangnick, has a different opinion. He sees Wober in the national team as a left defender.

AA: Max's best position is in the centre, but he also showed good performances as a left-back. He is not fast enough for this position.

What are Max's best strengths?

MU: As a central defender he is very reliable. He probably made his worst game in the Champions League when he lost 1-7 against Bayern Munich. As a left-back, he prepared some goals in Salzburg.

AA: His strengths are the duels one vs one. He is good with the head and he is a real leader on and off the pitch. In addition, Max is excellent at opening the game from the last row.

What have Max's biggest weaknesses been at Salzburg?

MU: The biggest weakness: he hasn't managed to completely convince the fans in the three years. Maybe it's because he's considered a great talent, but not a very ambitious player when it comes to physical training.

AA: His biggest weakness is his speed over the first 10 metres. Also, his inconsistency was one of his weaknesses.

What was Max like as a leader in the team?

MU: Yes, he is a leader who likes to lead and also takes responsibility. That's his character.

AA: He was always honest and clear with his analysis. Sometimes, if a player didn't give their best he criticized them. On the field, Max talked a lot and organised his frontmen.

Was this transfer a shock? How has the Salzburg fan base reacted to Max's departure?

MU: No, it wasn't a shock. The club would have liked to have long-term plans with him, to see him as a testimonial at the club, but with [Oumar] Solet and [Strahinja] Pavlovic there are currently two better central defenders in Salzburg. And as a left-back, he is only at the beginning of his ‘career.’

AA: No, not a shock, but really unpredictable. The fan base was surprised. Most wish him luck in the Premier League, but there are also fans who are upset [Jesse] Marsch and Leeds buy so many players from Salzburg. Max should've been the next captain after Andreas Ulmer.