Following on from the weekend’s clean sheet and victory over Queens Park Rangers, this week it was confirmed that Leeds United’s defensive improvements so far this season mean that we now hold the best defensive record in all of England’s professional footballing tiers.
With slight tweaks from manager Marcelo Bielsa, allied to far stronger performances from Kiko Casilla (with fewer rushes of blood) and the immediate impact and partnership that on loan Brighton and Hove Albion centre-half, Ben White, has struck up with Liam Cooper, we have only conceded eight goals so far in our league campaign.
Much like last season though, our biggest problem is putting the ball in the back of the net at the other end of the pitch, but if we keep grinding out narrow victories, when it does click, somebody will get a hammering.
Reacting to the news of our defensive strength on social media, fans were pretty clear where the credit should go for this improvement.
Ben White – our best Centre-Back since the days of Radebe/Woodgate/Ferdinand. Brighton must have some seriously good defenders to be sending him out on loan.
— Lucas (@LucasLUFC1) November 5, 2019
The whole team. Especially Bamford.
— Ross O'Connor (@lufcroc) November 5, 2019
Achilles heel last season was numerous early free kicks conceded around box, leading to conceding early goal. Midfield must take some credit as well as more cohesive defence.
— Jonty (@JontySolomons) November 5, 2019
Bielsa’s new found pragmatism is a massive part. Content to defend a 1-0 in the last 10 minutes, ensure we squeeze out a point at Wednesday. We need more goals but I’m quietly confident this season.
— Graham Hunt (@grezlufc) November 5, 2019
Glad you asked Graham. It’s Ben White who deserves every little bit of plaudit.
— Thomas. (@TommyLanc) November 5, 2019
Ben white has massively improved us and Kiko has become much more efficient
— Indy Bansel (@IndyBansel) November 5, 2019
Every single one of the players who pulls on the shirt.
The defence starts soon as the opposition have the ball.#MOT— Phil Mooney (@Whiteyorkist) November 5, 2019
Ben White deserves all the plaudits in the world
— Leeds warrior (@WarriorLeeds) November 5, 2019
Imagine if our attacking players find form now ???? ????
— Charles John (@Steve192447378) November 5, 2019
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