The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 5th November) No space for Aaronsson or Gnonto in strongest LUFC XI
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 5th November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
No space for Aaronsson or Gnonto in NYT strongest LUFC XI
When asked to name his strongest Leeds United starting XI, assuming every player was fully fit and in form, New York Times chief correspondent Beren Cross focused his attention on the positions that invite the most debate. In goal, Lucas Perri remains something of an unknown quantity, with too few appearances to draw firm conclusions. Nevertheless, if manager Daniel Farke has installed him as first choice, Cross is inclined to trust that judgement for now. Central defence brings similar uncertainty. While Joe Rodon’s presence is unquestioned, the identity of his partner raises discussion. Jaka Bijol has yet to be fully tested in Leeds colours, but given his Serie A pedigree and the significant investment made over the summer, Cross suspects he would start ahead of Pascal Struijk.
Midfield presents perhaps the most compelling storyline. Sean Longstaff, initially the fourth-choice option behind Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka, has seized his opportunity with performances full of energy and intelligence. His set-piece delivery has been a pleasant surprise, but he also excels in defensive and transitional work. Stach enjoyed a blistering pre-season, dominating in a friendly against Milan and impressing in early league fixtures, yet his form has faded, but that could be because of injury. Tanaka, meanwhile, has been sidelined for much of the campaign, though he returned with a sparkling display in the opening win over Everton. Cross notes that team selection here could hinge on match context: Stach offers physical resilience, particularly useful away from home, while Tanaka’s creativity suits games where Leeds expect to dominate the ball. If pressed, the German might edge the final place.
In attack, injuries have prevented a clear hierarchy among Daniel James, Noah Okafor, and Wilfried Gnonto. Okafor has shown a knack for beating defenders and finishing, while Gnonto possesses similar qualities based on his earlier Premier League bursts. The challenge lies in positional balance — if Okafor starts on the left, can Gnonto adapt to the right? James, a key figure last season, has struggled to recapture form since an injury in April. Leeds will hope he can rediscover his sharpness.
Ultimately, Cross’s strongest Leeds XI in a 4-3-3 formation would be: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Longstaff, Ampadu, Stach; James, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor; a blend of steel, creativity, and pace, chosen with careful consideration of form, fitness, and tactical needs.
January signings unlikely
Leeds United’s approach to the upcoming January transfer window appears to be one of caution and calculated decision-making, a stance reaffirmed by managing director Robbie Evans in discussions following the summer transfer window. Evans highlighted the club’s preference to avoid mid-season spending sprees, stressing their long-standing strategy of completing key business before the season starts.
“Whether it’s in the summer window, the free-agent market or January, it’s all about what the team actually needs,” he explained, noting the importance of weighing opportunity costs, both in terms of future purchases that might be blocked and sales that could be forced from the current squad. For Leeds, January is traditionally a time to assess rather than overhaul, but Evans made it abundantly clear that Leeds drained their accounts during the summer.
With only six months left on his contract, Welsh international Harry Wilson represents a tempting option, particularly given Leeds’ desperate need for both creativity and a set-piece taker. Beren Cross of The New York Times recently addressed the likelihood of winter reinforcements, suggesting that while Leeds will undoubtedly be monitoring opportunities, they will need strong justification before making a move.
The question is not just about Wilson’s availability, but whether his signing would directly address a gap in the squad in a manner that justifies breaking the club’s usual January restraints. Last winter and the one before passed without major Leeds signings, reflecting both caution and confidence in the squad. Yet football is unpredictable; injuries, dips in form, or tactical adjustments means the door to January business can never be entirely closed.
Last time around, when Leeds were relegated, it was abundantly clear that the club had not prepared for relegation and paid the price! This time around, the club are in a much more stable position to bounce back up again should the unthinkable happen. This could be another reason why a January spurge in the transfer market is unlikely!