Bielsa 's 4-1-4-1 Leeds 2020 // BEAST 120 points 126 goals

Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa: Tactical Analysis 2020-2021

Introduction
After a triumphant run in the Championship last year, Marcelo "El Loco" Bielsa has led Leeds United back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence. The Argentine coach has instilled his renowned tactical principles into his team, making them widely respected both in Argentina and Europe.

Current Performance
This season's performance has been inconsistent (3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, with the best results away from Elland Road). However, the team's significant recruitment efforts (with Rodrigo being a standout addition) and their relatively young average age (26 years, with only one player over 30) suggest there is substantial room for improvement.

Bielsa's Tactical Characteristics
Leeds already exhibit many of Bielsa's trademarks: attacking play, quick transitions, high pressing, verticality, and intensity. Their wing play and continuous rotations in both possession and defense indicate a good level of cohesion.

Defensive Weaknesses
The downside is the lack of defensive solidity, often due to the team's overly aggressive approach, making them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Another concern is how Bielsa's physically demanding style will hold up in the long run in the Premier League.

Playing Systems
Leeds' base formation is a 4-1-4-1, adaptable during the match and against different opponents. The formation frequently shifts into a 3-3-1-3 or a 4-2-3-1, especially when a traditional playmaker like Rodrigo is on the field.

Starting Lineup
Goalkeeper: Illan Meslier (20 years old, 193cm, 74kg, left-footed) – precise with clearances but struggles with set pieces.
Left Back: Stuart Dallas (29 years old, 183cm, 81kg, left-footed) – combines good stamina with decent technical skills.
Center Back (left): Liam Cooper (29 years old, 180cm, 73kg, left-footed) – not great at building play, coordination and timing are average.
Center Back (right): Robin Koch (24 years old, 190cm, 82kg, right-footed) – strong defender, good in build-up play and passing.
Right Back: Luke Ayling (29 years old, 183cm, 72kg, right-footed) – physically strong, good in the air, continuous runs down the right, but struggles in 1v1 situations.
Defensive Midfielder: Kalvin Phillips (24 years old, 178cm, 72kg, right-footed) – team's metronome, key in both phases, takes corners, and isn't shy about shooting from distance.
Left Midfielder: Ezgjan Alioski (28 years old, 172cm, 65kg, left-footed) – prefers short passes over runs, not strong in defensive cover.
Central Midfielder (left): Tyler Roberts (21 years old, 180cm, 75kg, right-footed) – good timing in attacking runs, decent in pressing, useful in creating chances.
Central Midfielder (right): Mateusz Klich (30 years old, 183cm, 75kg, right-footed) – valuable in defense, often involved in attacking runs and plays with the winger.
Right Midfielder: Hélder Costa (26 years old, 178cm, 69kg, left-footed) – technical and a good passer, strong runner, less involved in defensive duties.
Striker: Patrick Bamford (27 years old, 188cm, 71kg, left-footed) – great movement and effort off the ball, but lacks a killer instinct in front of goal, good at aerial duels and offensive pressing.

Potential Substitutes
Rodrigo: Technically gifted Spanish playmaker, fluid in attack.
Ian Carlo Poveda: Fast English winger, dangerous on the counter.
Leif Davis: More defensive left-back compared to Dallas.

Possession Phase
The team typically sets up in a 2/3-4-1 formation during possession:

Central defenders stay back for quick transitions.
The defensive midfielder, often Phillips, forms a diamond with the goalkeeper and two central defenders, providing passing options.
Central midfielders and wingers position to exploit spaces behind opponents' midfield lines.
Bamford acts as the main forward, with the central defender Koch frequently initiating play.

Build-Up Play
Short, patient passing involving the goalkeeper and defenders to draw the opponent's press.
Adjusting positions of full-backs to create passing lanes.
Aim to bypass the first line of press to find central midfielders behind the opponent's midfield, setting up a potential 5v5 in the final third.

Offensive Transitions
Leeds is known for their quick transitions:

High pressing in the opponent's third often leads to ball recovery.
Immediate vertical play targeting Bamford or central midfielders to exploit spaces and create scoring opportunities.

Defensive Phase
Leeds often shifts into a 5-4/1 setup without possession:

Phillips drops between central defenders.
Four midfielders form a line, with the striker positioned centrally.
Intense pressing to disrupt the opponent's play, creating numerical superiority in the ball's vicinity.
Defensive vulnerability on the flanks due to the aggressive press, leaving full-backs exposed.

Defensive Transitions
Upon losing possession:

Immediate counter-pressing to regain the ball.
If unsuccessful, the team retreats into two lines of defense, leaving the striker upfield for potential quick breakouts.

SWOT Analysis
Strengths: Aggressiveness in all phases, courageous offensive play.
Weaknesses: Defensive set-pieces, coordination issues in defense, limited defensive contributions from certain midfielders.
Opportunities: Exploiting opponents' width, capitalizing on organized pressing.
Threats: Vulnerability to fast counter-attacks and fatigue due to high physical demands.
Recommendations for Opponents
Attack Leeds’ defense in wide areas.
Use organized pressing to create chances in Leeds’ third.
Limit the depth and effectiveness of Leeds' fast wingers.
Exploit set-piece opportunities and fast counters due to Leeds’ aggressive attacking setup during corners.

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