The View From Abroad on Leeds United

Leeds United are attracting plaudits on their return to the Premier League with the media and fans alike being stunned by Leeds’ strong pressing game and attacking threat. With two games passed, it’s fair to say that many people believe Leeds will be a force this year in the Premier League, but what do the foreign press say about the Whites?

Marco Bielsa’s worldwide recognition amongst football purists as well as a couple of new signings from abroad have put Leeds United firmly in the spotlight of the eyes of the world media. Eurosport Spain were complimentary after Leeds’ first Premier League win in 16 years against Fulham. They said;

“Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds arrives in the Premier League from West Yorkshire with a bang. El Loco, despite knowing the smallest detail of each rival, bets on his own style and has put it on the table in the first two matches with a 4-3 defeat against Liverpool in the opening weekend and victory by the same score against Fulham, another newly promoted side to the Premier League.”

“Leeds have played fearlessly, accepting end-to-end games and not discriminating whether the opponent was the champion or a recent Championship side. The owner of Leeds, Andrea Radrizzani, will be happy to see his team make headlines again and the path already traveled in the last two seasons suggests that Bielsa will have more room for maneuver in England than in his previous job at the French side Lille.”





German newspaper Der Spiegel went with the headline “Leeds guarantees a spectacle” when reporting on the win against Fulham. With the arrival of Robin Koch to Elland Road from Koln in the summer, more German eyes will be on Leeds this season. Der Spiegel reported, “German national team player Robin Koch celebrated his first victory in the Premier League in 16 years with promoted Leeds United in their second attempt.

“Again there was a spectacle, again seven goals were scored. The former European Cup finalist defeated Fulham 4-3 in an exciting game on Saturday afternoon. The Portuguese Helder Costa was the match winner with two goals.”

World famous football magazine French Football were equally complimentary of Leeds’ performance at the weekend. The website ran with the headline, “Leeds win the duel of the promoted teams in a spectacular match”. They went on to say;

“And 14 goals in two Leeds games! After holding their own against the defending champions last week, Biesa’s men celebrated their return to Elland Road with a spectacular 4-3 victory over Fulham.”

France Football were enamoured by Leeds’ style and heaped praise on the manner in which Belsa’s side went about games. They added, “While Leeds might not always have it their way, we will not often be bored by Bielsa’s team this season.”

In just two games, Leeds United are already grabbing headlines worldwide with football fans around the world enjoying the return of the Whites to the top division, while Bielsa’s style of play ensures that millions will have their eyes on Leeds United this Premier League season.

Former Leeds legends, Vinnie Jones writes a column for leading odds comparison website Easyodds and will have plenty of reaction throughout the season to Leeds’ matches as well as all things Premier League. Check it out as well as the many free bets and bookmaker offers available on the website.