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While centre-back is now the main position of need for Leeds United, it’s easy to forget that we don’t have a natural Championship level left-back. Gaetano Berardi played magnificently when he covered the left side of the defense, but he’s naturally a right-back. Vurnon Anita is also capable of playing on the left side-either side for that matter- but he’s said himself that he prefers to play midfield. And while I’d have no problems with either Berardi or Anita playing left-back, I’d still like to see Leeds bring in someone, be it for depth or for the starting XI. Yellow cards seem to be a problem for our sturdy defense, and even with the addition of Matthew Pennington, we could be in trouble if someone goes down due to injury/suspension/both. Thankfully, it looks like Thomas Christiansen is working his magic to address that issue. According to HITC Sport, Leeds are among a trio of teams that are interested in Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan. The other teams include Hull City and Middlesbrough.
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Two things here: 1) I like this whole rumor/feeder-club deal we got going on with Bristol City. Luke Ayling, Aden Flint, now Joe Bryan. Chemistry certainly wouldn’t be an issue if Flint and/or Bryan made a move to Leeds. 2) Why is it that every time we want a player, Middlesbrough just has to be interested in him as well? As my manager Pete likes to say, Sod off Boro, get yourselves different players.
Joe Bryan was statistically the best left-back in the Championship last season. For context, I’ve included Pontus Jansson-who was both statistically our best player and the 4th best player overall statistically last season- and Blackburn’s Derrick Williams, who was the second best left-back statistically in the Championship last season.
The Stats, Yo!
| Name | Appearances | Mins | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Reds | Shots per game | Pass success% | Aerial duels won | MotM awards | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Appearances | Mins | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Reds | Shots per game | Pass success% | Aerial duels won | MotM awards | Rating |
| Pontus Jansson | 34 | 3014 | 3 | 1 | 14 | n/a | 0.6 | 85.30% | 3.6 | 4 | 7.57 |
| Joe Bryan | 39(+5 cup games) | 3521 | 1 | 2 | 10 | n/a | 1.2 | 69.30% | 1.7 | 2 | 7.09 |
| Derrick Williams | 39 | 3469 | 1 | 3 | 3 | n/a | 0.6 | 68.90% | 3.1 | 5 | 7.08 |
Joe Bryan has played for Bristol City all his life. He made his way through the Robins’ youth academy before signing his first professional contract in 2011. He was loaned out to non-league side Bath City the following November on a three-month deal, making four appearances and scoring once. After making his pro debut for Bristol in 2012, Bryan was loaned out to Plymouth Argyle on a one-year deal in 2013. Joe Bryan has also been selected for national duty, being picked for Scotland’s u21 side but couldn’t play due to a concussion he received, ironically enough, against Leeds United. JB is also capable of playing left midfield and can play a wingback role if need be.
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Bristol City are adamant that they Joe Bryan is not for sale. But, football is as much a business as much a sport. Bryan is valued at €400,000 per transfermarkt.com, so if Leeds drop in a decent bid and Luke Ayling works a little magic, a deal for Joe Bryan could happen. Of course, this could just be a tactic by the Robins to see how high they can sell Bryan with a trio of clubs interested, so we’ll see if they’re just holding on for money or are adamant in not selling Joe Bryan.
Would YOU like to see Joe Bryan in a Leeds kit? Lemme know in the comments! MOT