Leeds United are set to face three decent friendly tests before they return to Premier League action against Manchester City on December 28. The Whites will travel to Elche on Thursday before hosting Europa League outfits Real Sociedad and AS Monaco at Elland Road.
Given Leeds had only three representatives at the World Cup, Jesse Marsch will have a strong squad at his disposal for the fixtures. Not only will this allow them to get some important minutes into the legs, but also hand players the opportunity to build up some form and confidence ahead of the Christmas period.
So, with that in mind, here is a look at three players who will need to impress in the three matches.
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Sam Greenwood
The first name on the list is midfielder Sam Greenwood, but its certainly not for form reasons like the two that will be mentioned later on. A spot has opened up in the centre of the park for Leeds' first game after the break against Manchester City due to Tyler Adams' red card.
Though Adam Forshaw looks set to be back fit, Greenwood currently looks the most likely to fill the void left by Adams given he enjoyed his best contribution in a Leeds shirt so far in the penultimate game before the World Cup against Bournemouth. If he can build on that with a good performance in Spain, as well as the two proceeding friendlies, then he can go into the game with City full of confidence.
Patrick Bamford
On the contrary, Patrick Bamford needs to find some form and fitness from somewhere, and there is no better place to start than a friendly. Bamford missed the last two games before the break but even the matches he was involved in prior to that, his touch was no where near sharp enough and his impact was minimal.
Though obviously it is not the league, a goal in one of these friendlies could really be what he needs to start firing in competitive action. The longer he goes without one, the more it feels he could become third choice if Leeds decide to act in January.
Jack Harrison
Similarly to Bamford, Jack Harrison was really struggling for form prior to the World Cup. It could be argued that the break came at the best possible time for him.
Some Leeds fans would even go as far to say that Harrison is currently Marsch's fourth choice winger, with Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra all ahead of him. Harrison has not registered a goal contribution since the 3-0 win over Chelsea in August and he is very much a player who relies on confidence, something which some good displays in the friendlies could help with.
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