With Leeds’ long-term struggles over discovering a real left-back, it’s no shock that Marcelo Bielsa’s aspect seem like gearing as much as repair that difficulty in the summertime switch window.
Writing for The Athletic, Phil Hay claimed that left-back is more likely to be a place that’s excessive up on the summer time switch agenda and that each Bielsa and Victor Orta “can see how an efficient, specialist left-back — one thing Leeds have struggled to unearth for a few years — would enhance the steadiness of their line-up, complementing Luke Ayling’s box-to-box presence from the alternative full-back spot”.
Hay revealed that the Whites are genuinely serious about Stade Brest ace Romain Perraud, who has been a revelation for the French aspect in Ligue 1 this season.
The 23-year-old has been the best defender within the division this marketing campaign, scoring three objectives and offering 5 assists, along with his assists complete really solely bettered by eight gamers in your entire league, amongst gamers in all positions.
In comparison with present Leeds left-back Gjanni Alioski, Perraud’s numbers in the important thing offensive metrics are far superior, bettering his pictures per recreation (1.1 to 0.7), key passes (1 to 0.7), correct crosses (1.2 to 0.4), and profitable dribbles too (0.9 to 0.4).
Hay added: “Perraud, 23, performed for France as much as under-20s stage and his efficiency information — taken from smarterscout, which provides detailed analytics on gamers all around the world and offers rankings between zero and 99 throughout a sequence of metrics — reveals traits which might meet Bielsa necessities: a inventive edge and a excessive variety of dribbles and pictures for a participant at his place, mixed with a really energetic function in urgent defensively.”
With the 5 foot 8 Perraud flying down the left-hand aspect from full-back, that might open up the gates for Jack Harrison to wreak much more havoc. The duo would have the tempo and power to dove-tail nicely, with the winger beforehand raving about Alioski when he shone at left-back.
He mentioned: “At all times energetic, all the time operating and inflicting issues for the opponents. We all know what he’s like. Gives that as an outlet for the aspect as nicely.”
Perraud might supply one thing related given his spectacular offensive stats, and that capacity to be a dynamic menace going ahead makes him a dream participant for Bielsa, particularly in that full-back place.
With Alioski doubtlessly being phased out and even let go in the summertime – his contract is expiring on the finish of the season – Perraud could possibly be the proper participant to come back in and begin an thrilling partnership with Harrison down Leeds’ left flank.
In the meantime, Phil Hay has revealed Leeds are planning a summer time transfer for this ace…