The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 14th May) - Adam Pope: Only seven Leeds players good enough for Premier League

[Ellandback1]

Good Morning. It's Wednesday 14th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Only seven Leeds players good enough for Premier League

BBC Sport commentator Adam Pope recently delivered a blunt assessment, suggesting that only a handful of current Leeds players possess the qualities necessary to thrive in the Premier League. In Pope's view, just seven individuals are genuinely equipped to make the step up.

Pope identified Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, AO Tanaka, Pascal Struijk, and Dan James as players he believes are capable of holding their own in the Premier League. While acknowledging the potential of Willy Gnonto and the clinical finishing of Joel Piroe, Pope tempered his praise. He noted that Gnonto's potential is yet to be fully realised, and questioned whether Piroe possesses the blistering pace often associated with Premier League strikers.

This stark assessment places significant pressure on Daniel Farke, Adam Underwood, Alex Davies, and the 49ers ownership group. They face crucial decisions in the upcoming summer transfer window. Identifying and retaining the players capable of performing in the Premier League will be paramount.

The club must also address the areas where the current squad falls short, potentially through strategic acquisitions. Pope's analysis serves as a sobering reminder that a Championship-caliber team requires significant upgrades to compete effectively in the Premier League, and funds are restricted to to FFP regulations.





Could Maeda replicate his form in the top flight with Leeds

Leeds United's reported interest in Celtic's Daizen Maeda has sparked a fascinating debate: can the Japanese international translate his impressive Scottish Premiership form to the demanding landscape of the Premier League? With 33 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, Maeda has undoubtedly caught the eye. However, the leap from the Scottish top flight to the English one is a significant one.

Maeda's quality is undeniable. His work rate is relentless, his pace is electrifying, and his finishing has demonstrably improved this season. He's a dynamic player who contributes both goals and assists, making him a valuable asset in any attacking setup. His international experience alongside Ao Tanaka further strengthens his profile, suggesting a player capable of adapting to different environments.

The reported £25 million price tag represents a significant investment for Leeds United, especially considering their financial fair play restrictions. This sum could consume a substantial portion of their summer spending budget. Therefore, the club needs to carefully weigh the potential reward against the risk of Maeda struggling to adapt.

While the quality of the Scottish Premiership may be closer to the English Championship, judging Maeda solely on the league's overall standing is an oversimplification. Ultimately, whether Daizen Maeda can replicate his form in the Premier League depends on his adaptability, his ability to handle the increased physicality, and the tactical system he's integrated into. He possesses the raw talent and work ethic, but only time will tell if he can truly shine on English soil.





Leeds eyeing Hammers defender Vladimir Coufal

Respected West Ham fanzine Claretandhugh reports that Leeds United are considering a move for veteran right-back Vladimir Coufal this Summer. The interest comes as Leeds look to bolster their squad with Premier League experience as they aim to solidify their position in the top flight.

Coufal, the 32-year-old Czech international, has been a reliable and respected figure at West Ham. However, he has been informed that he is surplus to requirements and will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. His professionalism and dedication have made him a fan favorite, and his potential departure marks the end of an era.

Leeds are in need of reinforcements at right-back, with Jayden Bogle currently the only specialist in that position. Coufal's experience and defensive capabilities could provide valuable cover and competition, making him a potentially shrewd acquisition for the club.

[Tyzy]

You don't have to be an expert to know that,Leeds have a tough job recruiting the players needed to compete in the PL.

[YorkshireSquare]

That would be an ecumenical matter!

[lufc1304]

Aye, Popey not telling us anything we don't already know.

Unsure on Maeda, despite being an international and not having looked out of his depth in Celtic's CL games. Someone mentioned Viduka, and I get it, but the PL is much stronger these days and I'd argue the SPL has regressed. Big gamble at £25M.

Never heard of Coufal, tbh, but that sort of PL experience is what we're going to need. And as a free agent, he might fit the bill if wages aren't a huge issue??

[Ellandback1]

Anyone surprised Bogle is not on the list?

[weasel]

Anyone surprised Bogle is not on the list?

I was. I am presuming Popey is basing it on Bogle being part of a dismal Sheff U side that got relegated. However I think we have seen enough from Bogle this season to be happy to have him starting. He improved as the season went on and I dare say he is a better player than he would have been last season for Sheff U. Yes question marks over his defensive abilities but any wingback would struggle defensively if doing as much attacking as Bogle did.

[Jammy 07]

Is Bamford not a proven PL player ?

[mentalcase]

Is Bamford not a proven PL player ?

Yes with no crowds, no to me though, he ain't good enough for the championship let alone the PL.

[1964white]

Anyone surprised Bogle is not on the list?

Yes, although he wasn't great defensively for the Blunts in the PL.

Jayden was still one of their best players, Sheff Utd fans were unhappy to see him leave Bramall Lane.

[1964white]

Never heard of Coufal, tbh, but that sort of PL experience is what we're going to need. And as a free agent, he might fit the bill if wages aren't a huge issue??

Coufal has bags of PL experience for the Hammers, lost his first team place last season, making only ten starts. At 32yo, is he a better right-back than Bogle, maybe defensively, but would he give us much going forward, I suggest not as he had no goals or assists to his name in his final season at West Ham.

[Chilli D]

Anyone surprised Bogle is not on the list?

Yes.
He will need to spend a lot more time defending next season though and at times he can be reckless in the tackle.

[1964white]

I think Popey is more or less spot on, there has to be doubts about the majority of our squad whether they can step up to the next level.

I still believe, we are in a strong position with our squad as opposed to Burnley, Blunts & Sunderland.

[1964white]

Yes with no crowds, no to me though, he ain't good enough for the championship let alone the PL.

God help us if we go with Bamford, Joseph & Piroe in the PL.

Piroe is the likeliest one of the three to prove his worth, though the next level may be a bridge too far.

Time will tell.

[pjm2019]

You don't have to be an expert to know that,Leeds have a tough job recruiting the players needed to compete in the PL.

certain fans are stating we only need 2 new players- i believe we need at least 6 or 7 starters

[marie67]

A big No to Coufal.

A 32 year old player who can't get in the West Ham team most of the time.

We need to be more ambitious if we expect to stay in the Premier League.

[CUSSIE01]

Yes Maeda will be a risk but we’re going to have to take risks somewhere. We’re in no position to buy top quality proven Premiership players for every position so we either have to buy young inexperienced players with potential, proven players in lower leagues, older players with Premiership experience or unearth another hidden gem or five from abroad.
Coufal was an excellent player but alarm bells ring when West Ham ( currently 15th ) are releasing him on a free but on the right wages he could be decent cover but nowhere near a starter imo.

[lufc1304]

Coufal has bags of PL experience for the Hammers, lost his first team place last season, making only ten starts. At 32yo, is he a better right-back than Bogle, maybe defensively, but would he give us much going forward, I suggest not as he had no goals or assists to his name in his final season at West Ham.

Depends how we see Bogle. As a wingback, then no, Coufal probably isn't better but as a pure RB, then I'd argue he could well be. And we need to bear in mind that we will be defending a lot more next season and the jury is out on how effective Bogle will be defensively. Doesn't necessarily have to be Coufal, but that type of player as cover seems to me to be what we should be looking for. Experience is going to be key, Leon.

[Sean_Nile]

Make no mistake, Leeds United aren’t just back in the Premier League... they’ve arrived with all the subtlety of a marching band in a library.

While the usual lot panic over six-pointers and televised thrashings, Daniel Farke’s Whites are swanning about like they’ve been here all along. Ao has already being hailed as the Japanese Pirlo.

Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon have got strikers in their back pockets like loose change, and Illan has gone from flappable to formidable.

Forget survival. Leeds are here to make the top-table their personal playground, knocking over legacy clubs like bowling pins on a wet Tuesday night.

Pundits predict a scrap, a slog, a noble fight for 17th. Namby Pamby no good losers, whose brains have been turned to train oil by decades of the Gary... where is Des when you need him?

But Leeds have other ideas. Farke’s tactical wizardry is melting minds, opposition managers are clutching their playbooks like prayer books, and the only thing tighter than Leeds’ backline is the collective lock jaw of the Match of the Day panel who are stunned and stupified.

Goals fly in from Piroe and James who have decided now’s a good time to turn into Messi and Mbappe, while Pat Bamford strolls about the pitch like he’s on a relaxed testimonial, occasionally chipping in with the sort of brilliant finishes, that makes you spit out your tea, whilst you are enjoying eating your cake on the sofa.

Relegation? No chance. Leeds are not just surviving... they're doing it with a smirk, a wink and a swashbuckling swagger, and a very real chance of finishing 6th and calling it a crisis... cos the fans wanted them to go top.

But hey ho, European football... mustn't grumble... should make enough money to aim to become the premiership champions the following year.

He's C. Nile and he writes what he wants.

[Irish Ian]

Yes with no crowds, no to me though, he ain't good enough for the championship let alone the PL.

Like Bielsa too.

[1964white]

Depends how we see Bogle. As a wingback, then no, Coufal probably isn't better but as a pure RB, then I'd argue he could well be. And we need to bear in mind that we will be defending a lot more next season and the jury is out on how effective Bogle will be defensively. Doesn't necessarily have to be Coufal, but that type of player as cover seems to me to be what we should be looking for. Experience is going to be key, Leon.

Totally agree, Nick.