Leeds 'Run Further, Faster And Harder' Than Every Club In The Premier League By Some Distance
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Since taking over at Leeds in the summer of 2018, Marcelo Bielsa has built a squad containing some incredibly hard-working players.
With their intense press and relentless marking system that means they make more sprints than any other team in the Premier League, The Whites have enjoyed a solid first season in England's top flight since achieving promotion.
In fact, after recording 17 wins in 37 games, the club currently sits in 10th place, just three points behind Everton and Spurs. It's a record that will no doubt please their fans ahead of next season.
I see that famous "Marcelo Bielsa burnout" is really damaging the end to Leeds' season...
- HLTCO (@HLTCO) May 18, 2021
1 defeat in their last 10 and 3 wins on the spin. They're clearly out on their feet. pic.twitter.com/7P0omDWaw7
For me, what stands out most when it comes to Leeds is their incredible work rate. In terms of their off-the-ball intensity and press, nobody even comes close in the Premier League - not even Jurgen Klopp's famous Geggenpress.
According to Skill Corner via The Athletic, Marcelo Bielsa's side make the most sprints and the most high-intensity runs by some distance. And when I say some distance, I mean look at this graph showing each club's sprints per game.
Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea come in second and they are still miles behind Leeds.
Leeds run further, faster and harder than everyone else. And the margin is staggering. Analysis with @Worville #lufc
- Peter Rutzler (@peterrutzler) May 21, 2021
:arrow_right:https://t.co/wuj61QdgIb pic.twitter.com/tRa814cd95
Bielsa's teams are, of course, known for their intense press after losing the ball but still. These stats are quite remarkable.
Leeds are truly unique under Bielsa.
- James Allcott (@jamesallcott) May 21, 2021
Credit: @TheAthletic pic.twitter.com/FJxkBSV9JF
The Argentine is also renowned for using unconventional methods in training. Just take his brutal training sessions at Athletic Bilbao, for example.
His principles are brave but when applied correctly, that direct and attacking style of play can be deadly - as we've seen time and time again this season.
So what does his training sessions look like at Thorp Arch? A video of the 'third man concept' has recently found its way online and it provides a fascinating insight into his mind.
Marcelo Bielsa - training 3rd man concept:soccer:
- Julius Riemann (@julius_riemann) March 22, 2021
:speaking_head:️"That is the future of football. [...] If you do that, you are impossible to defend. That third man is the least developed weapon in football, while in that way you have the most attack possibilities." pic.twitter.com/afEWKo33x0
You can see Bielsa's 'third man' method in action during Leeds' 5-0 win against West Brom in December.
Stuart Dallas drives out from the back and plays a one-two with Jamie Shackleton and, like in the training sessions above, he plays a pass to an onrushing Raphinha on the flank. The Brazilian then cuts inside and makes it five with a quality finish
O vídeo tinha sido excluído, mas eu posto de novo porque foi lindo :heart_eyes:
- Torcedor Informado (@TorcedorInform1) December 30, 2020
Golaço do brasileiro Raphinha pela #PremierLeague Goleada do Leeds, fora de casa.
West Brom 0x5 Leeds pic.twitter.com/XlDHg1tgjJ
Can Leeds challenge for the top six next season?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Leeds, Marcelo Bielsa, Football, Premier League
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