Gray highlights Leeds problem area, suggests which first-team player isn’t ideal solution

Wed 2 August 2017 9:03, UK

By Danny Wright

Leeds legend Eddie Gray has suggested that Thomas Christiansen still needs to strengthen the left-back area of his squad before the transfer window closes.

The Whites have been one of the busiest teams in the Championship this summer but are yet to bring in a replacement for Charlie Taylor, who left for Burnley after his contract expired at the end of last season.

Tyler Denton is the only player who is considered natural in the role while Gaetano Berardi, who is a right-back by trade, is expected to fill the void there this weekend when the season kicks off against Bolton.

Gray, 69, has suggested that the 28-year-old Swiss international isn’t the ideal solution for Christiansen’s left-back problem as he could do with someone playing there who isn’t right-footed.

“(Gaetano) Berardi’s a good player, a good defender who can get forward, but ideally you’d want a left-footed player at left-back,” Gray said, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“Charlie Taylor was the best crosser of the ball last season and being left-footed gives the team more width on that side.

“For me, there are still a couple of positions which need looking at but you can’t deny that the owner’s put money into the team. The way we’ll find out if these players are good enough is when the competitive football starts. At the moment I can’t say 100 per cent if I think it’ll work because we haven’t seen enough of some of the signings in this league to be sure. That’s the test.”