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Instead of buying a new centre back or two, has Marcelo Bielsa decided that the solution to the central defence problem lies within the club?
Kalvin Phillips has said that he’s been training as a deep-lying defensive midfielder and also as third centre back under Marcelo Bielsa. It’s surprising to hear that Phillips, of all players, is being considered as a central defender, but here we are.
Kalvin Phillips reveals he has been training as a centre-back under Marcelo Bielsa this summer #LUFC https://t.co/86drZ2cPM6
— Leeds United Live (@liveleedsunited) July 18, 2018
Phillips had this to say about what position he might be playing at this year:
I’m not too sure to be honest. Obviously I’ve been playing as the deepest midfielder and I’ve been playing in training as a third centre-half as well so I think he’s just trying to work out where my best position is.
I believe I can play anywhere in the midfield and I’m just happy to be playing and hopefully I can get the chance to do that throughout the season.
Is this the new plan for Leeds? Rumours have indicated that Leeds weren’t looking for a new centre-back, so perhaps this the reason. Are there any other players that might play in a three central defender formation? I guess we’ll see.
On to the links.
Leeds United Links
A look at the tactics from the first match under Marcelo Bielsa. [Through It All Together]
Leeds United Ladies have a new manager. [SheKicks.net]
England and English Football Links
Everton are going to need a strategy to replace Leighton Baines. [Royal Blue Mersey]
Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss most of the 2018-19 season. [BBC.com]
World Football Links
Sky Blue FC, the NWSL team located in New Jersey, has been proving untenable playing conditions for years. [Once a Metro]
Fiorentina beat Hellas Verona 2-1 in a preseason friendly. [Viola Nation]
The transfer of Djaniny Tavares from Santos Laguna in Mexico to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia shows a problem in Liga MX. [FMF State of Mind]
Toronto FC fans lit a flare and light the Ottawa Fury’s stadium on fire. And oh, yeah, Toronto beat Ottawa 1-0. [ProSoccerUSA.com]
A beginner’s guide to Liga MX. [ESPN.com]