da fezbet： [ad_pod ]
da gbg bet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
We may only be a matter of weeks into the season but injuries have already become a slight concern for Leeds.
Their squad is wafer-thin this term, as it was last campaign, but various formations and systems have had to be used to accommodate gaps.
That was specifically the case in both matches against Stoke with Liam Cooper missing because of a knock to the ankle.
Leeds had to revert to a three-man makeshift defence but one player who has plugged a gap is doing it in fantastic style.
On the chalkboard
The man in question happens to be Stuart Dallas who has taken on more defensive duties, playing at right back and as a right wing-back.
He did so on the odd occasion last term and stepped in confidently for Barry Douglas on the left in the playoffs, netting twice against Derby.
However, he’s now showing that he can be a key component in this Leeds team.
That is largely thanks to the injured Luke Ayling, who courtesy of Dallas, the Whites aren’t missing in 2019/20.
Ayling had surgery on his ankle last month in what would have been a bitter blow, but despite returning to training, he is still some way from a proper return.
This isn’t the first issue for the defender either who was out for a period of nine games last term.
He was hugely influential last season at both ends of the pitch, laying on six assists whilst making 2.2 tackles per game, according to WhoScored.
Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
Yet, Dallas is proving astute in some key areas too.
The Northern Irishman scored against Stoke at the weekend, showing his qualities in the final third. He’s won 1.6 tackles each match but betters Ayling when it comes to dribbling and clearances.
The latter may offer a greater wall of defensive protection but in a fluid Leeds system, Dallas is proving every bit as good.
Heading into their weekend clash with Swansea, Marcelo Bielsa’s men have only conceded twice in the Championship.
That tells you all you need to know about both his and Leeds’ defensive contributions.
So far, he’s stepped into Ayling’s shoes with relative ease.
[ad_pod ]