‘Fantastic’ 19-year-old Leeds gem could be a big winner from Marsch appointment – TBR View

Thu 3 March 2022 21:48, UK

Leeds United have made a big change in the dugout, replacing Marcelo Bielsa with Jesse Marsch.

But rather than ripping up the Bielsa blueprint, Marsch is expected to build on the iconic coach’s work at Elland Road.

That said, the new Leeds boss is likely to make some tweaks – the formation could be one such alteration.

While Bielsa opted for a 4-1-4-1 setup, Marsch’s preferred formation is 4-2-2-2.

This setup would see Leeds playing with two holding midfielders rather than just one.

And rather than two wide forwards and a central striker, Leeds would line up with two wingers and two attackers.

With regards to Marsch’s preferred midfield setup, this will likely reduce the burden on Kalvin Phillips.

In addition, it could see several players who didn’t feature much under Bielsa come to the fold.

One player who could be a big winner from Marsch’s appointment is Lewis Bate.

The 19-year-old has long looked a cut above for Leeds at Under-23 level.

Bate made his senior Whites debut earlier this season, coming off the bench against West Ham in the league.

It didn’t quite go to plan, however.

He came on as a substitute for Adam Forshaw midway through the first half, but was replaced by Rodrigo in the 65th minute.

Bate then started against the Hammers in the FA Cup, but he’s not really been in Bielsa’s plans besides those appearances.

With Marsch now in charge, another holding midfield spot will now open up – good news for Bate.

“He was fantastic”

He is superb on the ball, sets the tempo in midfield, boasts great technical quality, and has amazing work-rate.

Ian Wright liked what he saw from Bate against West Ham in the league.

He on BBC Match of the Day: “He got brought on, then he got taken off.

“I saw how disappointed he was on the bench, but he had done brilliantly in the time he was on the pitch.

“You can understand he was disappointed with that. He was fantastic, Lewis Bate, today.”

And Marsch isn’t one to shy away from playing young stars.

He told : “I know I am always going to get talented young players to work with.

“My job is to make sure that I maximise their potential.”

All things considered, Bate could well start getting more minutes between now and the end of the season.