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How Leeds XI could look if Marcelo Bielsa picked Rodrigo and Hernandez

Jordan Harris

Wed 16 December 2020 6:15, UK

Leeds United host Newcastle United on Wednesday looking to bounce back from two defeats in a row in the Premier League.

The most worrying aspect of their loss to West Ham – apart from their struggles to defend set-pieces – was how little Leeds seemed to create during the second-half at Elland Road.

In truth, it seems highly unlikely that Marcelo Bielsa will be tempted to make any substantial changes. The current system got Leeds promoted. And it has allowed the Whites to already produce a number of stunning results and performances at the highest level.

But what if Bielsa decided that he wanted to add more creativity to his starting XI?

The problem Bielsa perhaps faces is how to get Pablo Hernandez into the side. He is predominantly a contender to play as a number 10 or out on the right wing.

However, Rodrigo – who earns £100,000-a-week, – has been excellent behind Patrick Bamford. And Raphinha has settled superbly following his own summer switch to Elland Road.

So perhaps, changing to a system with a back three opens the door for all three men to start.

Pascal Struijk may come in alongside Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper. And obviously, Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich keep their places in central midfield.

Stuart Dallas is arguably the ideal player to deploy if Bielsa tasked his wide-men with patrolling the entirety of their respective flanks. And Raphinha’s form hints that he could also do a similar role.

Asking the pair to perform that role is surely easier with the likes of Jack Harrison, Helder Costa and Ian Poveda able to come off the bench.

That leaves Hernandez and Rodrigo sharing the duties of a number 10 and second striker behind Bamford.

If the pair can play together, Leeds should be able to create so many opportunities…