re: 2020-21 Leeds United season long thread: Announce De Paul

A lot of positives to take from the game, even if Leeds didn't get a point they probably deserved thanks to Rodrigo being stupid. I do think its interesting that three of the goals (and both penalties) were due to mistakes from the new transfers. Robin Koch had a brutal game, especially, with a handball in the box and then completely failing to mark his man on a corner, allowing an uncontested header. I'm just going to write that off to trying to learn how to play for Bielsa.

Damn. Our midfield was awesome. Harrison and Costa fricking dominated the wings and Klich and Philips were a distribution machine. The problem was... sigh.. .tha attacking mid. Pablo was invisible, which was better than Rodrigo did as a sub. We could have used invisible from him instead of stupid, needless challenge leading to the final goal. This team is an elite AM away from legitimately fighting for a European spot. I love Pablo, but it's time to bend to the reality he's 35, and he can do the most damage as a second half sub against tired legs.

But shout out to Pascal! Struijk! You beautiful Dutch boy! Forced into an unexpected start by Cooper's injury, he played really well against the best forward line in the EPL. He belonged and arguably outplayed Van Dijk. (LINK /)

What's great about that is it means Leeds doesn't need to spend 20 million on another CB. Cooper-Koch with Struijk as the reserve works. If you need another backup, you can promote from within (Davis? Or shift Dallas and play Alioski on the outside), but that frees 20 million of your budget...

..Sign Rodrigo De Paul. He wants to come. They want 40 million? Fine. Pay the man his money. Sign an elite attacking mid and we'll march on together into the top flight. Struijk just made that possible while still keeping a sane budget.

Free De Paul!