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News
Marcelo Bielsa praised Leeds target Patrick van Aanholt this season
Leif Davis may only have a handful of appearances for Leeds United’s first-team under his belt, but there is already one phrase that looks destined to be synonymous with the 21-year-old for the rest of his career at Elland Road.
Davis prompted Marcelo Bielsa to bellow ‘Very good Davis’ at him during a pre-season game against Cagliari ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
The moment has ensured that there is now only one appropriate way to praise the defender whenever he does something positive.
But he is not the only left-back Bielsa has praised for being very good during his time as Leeds boss.
In fact, it was a player who is now reportedly on the Whites’ summer wishlist who was picked out by Bielsa earlier this season.
, Leeds are keen on Patrick van Aanholt this summer.
The Dutchman – who earns £55,000-a-week, – is out of contract with Crystal Palace at the end of the season. And it appears that Leeds are looking at the 30-year-old on a potential free transfer.
Of course, the Whites have come up against the Eagles twice already this term. And ahead of the rematch at Elland Road, Bielsa was asked about what he learned about Roy Hodgson’s side during their meeting at Selhurst Park – and he went on to very briefly praise the defender.
“I’m trying to find an answer that would be worth it,” he said, .
“If you saw the number 11 (Zaha) and number 25 play (Eze), they are very good, which is the most significant thing I can add or the left full-back (van Aanholt) is very good attacking.”
Has van Aanholt’s attacking ability caught Bielsa’s eye?
Given how Leeds play, it is likely that Bielsa would put a lot of stock into how influential a full-back can be further up the pitch. So it may well be significant that the Whites boss was impressed by van Aanholt’s attacking ability.
Bielsa has probably been able to say ‘Very good Patrick’ quite a lot this season. Perhaps there is a chance that he may be hoping to direct that message at two players next year.