Leeds United news: Pundit hails four ‘brilliant’ players after what he spotted
Noel Whelan has insisted the “fluid front four” deployed by Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United side against Leicester was “brilliant to watch”.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, drew parallels between Marsch’s setup and league leaders Man City.
Leeds United lined up with four forwards as they fell to a narrow 1-0 loss against Leicester on Saturday (5 March) in the American’s first game in charge.
Speaking post-match and quoted by Leeds Live, Marsch insisted there is room for improvement in the system, claiming “they can be better connected”.
Leeds United registered 19 shots during the encounter and notched almost four times more expected goals (0.5 v 1.9) than Leicester (as per FBRef).
Whelan suggested the 4-2-4 setup is suited to the “good, technical, talented” players at Marsch’s disposal.
“Although not at the same level, we have the players – like Man City – who can adapt to that fluid front four,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I think it was brilliant to watch. We weren’t set in rigid positions and that really confused Leicester at times – with the interplay and swapping.
“We’ve got the players to play that way. Good, technical, talented players with a lot of pace.
“The fans want to see as much movement as possible when we’re in possession but when we lose the ball, we need those banks of four set and solid.
“It’s that transition from attacking to defending which needs to be worked on the most.”
Leeds United sit just two points clear of the relegation zone after Saturday’s result.
The Whites host Aston Villa on Thursday (10 March).
In other news, Leeds United pundit tips Joe Gelhardt and two other youngsters to “explode” after reveal.