Leeds United news: Whelan tips Jack Harrison to be dropped v Liverpool amid ‘100%’ claim
Jack Harrison could make way for Raphinha as Leeds United take on Liverpool, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old Brazillian should “100%” start after being benched against Man United.
Raphinha made an instant impact from the bench as Leeds United were defeated 4-2 against rivals Man United yesterday (20 February), finishing off a teasing cross from Dan James just nine minutes after coming on.
Meanwhile, Harrison, 25, has failed to register a goal or assist since his hat-trick against West Ham last month.
Leeds United face Liverpool on Wednesday (23 February) with the opportunity to pull eight points clear of the Premier League drop zone.
Whelan claimed Marcelo Bielsa must “take the game” to the Merseysiders.
“I think Raphinha has to come back in,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He brings that energy and that direct style. He’s 100% got to start the game after making such an impact and scoring an important goal in the last game.
“It just goes to show what an important player he is for this Leeds United side.
“We need to put out our best side out against Liverpool to try and take the game to them.
“Dan James keeps his place after his brilliant assist, so it’ll probably be Harrison that drops out. But you can’t fit them all in. If Raphinha can sit on the bench, then he can take a back seat for this game at least.
“At the back, we need to cut out these silly mistakes because they’re really costing us.”
Raphinha’s benching comes after Bielsa replaced him at half-time during the 3-0 defeat at Everton last week.
The five-time Brazil international has netted nine league goals for Leeds United this term.
In other news, pundit tips Carlos Corberan to replace Marcelo Bielsa on one condition after manager news.