Fans had to wait 16 seasons to see Leeds United back in the top flight of English football again. The wait was long, but with the entertaining nature of this club’s football, it’s looking like it was worth it.
Normally, promoted clubs will take a cautious approach to their Premier League tenure. That has not been the case with one of England’s most storied football clubs. Leeds United’s attacking style has been a brilliant addition to the top flight early this season. They play an aggressive and open style that has made their matches a must-watch for Premier League fans.
Leeds United Attacking Style Refreshing from a Promoted Side
No Cautious Approach
It didn’t take long for Leeds attacking style to turn heads upon their return to the top flight. They lost to Liverpool 4-3 on matchday one. While they didn’t get a positive result, the way they played against the defending champions served notice that they would not be taking a cautious approach this season. Through ten games their pressing and aggressive style has them first in the league in tackles won and second in shots. Leeds are currently 12th in the table, but things are so tight in the standings that they are only three points behind fifth.
Target Man
There is always a worry for promoted clubs on whether their goal-scoring prowess will translate to the higher level of competition in the Premier League. That uncertainty was focused on Patrick Bamford coming into this campaign. The striker led the club in the Championship a year ago with 16 goals.
He has proven up to the task thus far with seven goals in 10 appearances. He netted a hat trick in a victory over Aston Villa on a night where he could’ve scored five. There are still times where his finishing of quality chances goes awry.
However, Leeds create so many opportunities that he has still been pretty prolific in front of goal despite those missed chances. Bamford leads the league in shots attempted through ten games. His finishing will be a key to this club’s movement up or down the table.
Terms of Service
In order for Bamford to thrive in Leeds attacking style, he needs to get quality service from the midfield. So far that hasn’t been an issue.
When they fly down the pitch on the counter they utilize the flanks as well as almost any squad in the league. Jack Harrison and Helder Costa provide most of the width for this side.
Harrison has been in good from when bombing down the flanks as Leeds break forward at pace. Luke Ayling gets involved out wide from the fullback position. Ayling is among the league leaders in both passes completed and tackles won. He was the Championship’s Player of the Year during the promotion campaign and has carried that form over this season.
Mateusz Klich has also done his fair share of creating this season, with three assists.
Leeds Attacking Top Half of Table
The busy holiday fixture schedule is coming up quickly. Three of the next four matches are against clubs currently in the top half of the table.
Leeds’ fortunes could quickly move in either direction based on how they handle the next few weeks. Their squad depth will definitely be tested over the busy holiday period. This club has already shown they will not back down from the challenge; in fact they plan on being the side that is applying the pressure. Leeds’ attacking style has served them well through the first quarter of the season. If they can shore up some things on the defensive end, they can follow the likes of Wolves and Sheffield United who have went from promotion directly to a top-half finish in the last two campaigns.
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