Leeds United employee claims Jesse Marsch is looking for his own Oleksandr Zinchenko
Noel Whelan has admitted he is not convinced by Jack Harrison in a left-back role for Leeds United after his pre-season performance against Brisbane Roar.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Jesse Marsch is looking for his own version of Man City utility man Oleksandr Zinchenko amid an injury to first-choice Junior Firpo.
Harrison started at left-back on Thursday (14 July) as Leeds United defeated Brisbane Roar 2-1 in Australia but was unconvincing – and was replaced by Leif Davis at half-time.
Firpo will reportedly miss the start of the Premier League season after suffering a knock during pre-season training.
As quoted by The Athletic (13 July), Marsch cited Davis, Harrison, and Pascal Struijk as potential solutions – and didn’t rule out dipping into the transfer market for another option.
Whelan suggested Luke Ayling could also provide cover by swapping over to his weaker side.
“It’s a bit like Zinchenko’s situation at Man City – that’s what Marsch is looking for,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“But for me, he’s better off further forward in those attacking zones.
“When it comes to defending – it’s an art, like everything. You’ve got to know how to defend one-on-one, cover round, fill the spaces.
“These are all skill sets you learn from a very young age. He’s not played the role very often, but if you are going to try it – now’s the time.
“I’d rather see Harrison further forward in the final third, taking on defenders.
“This is an area we need to look at carefully and consider our options. It may be worth seeing if Ayling can swap over to the left instead.”
In other news, pundit tells Leeds United to finalise Adama Traore deal after source’s £10m reveal.