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A first glimpse of new-look Leeds United has been gleaned and big decisions appear to have led to a new best XI and bench.
Daniel Farke’s Whites took on Manchester United in the club’s first pre-season friendly in Stockholm on Saturday and had five new signings either starting or on the bench.
Giant new centre back Jaka Bijol and new striker Lukas Nmecha both took their places in the starting line up whilst left back Gabriel Gudmundsson, defender Sebastiaan Bornauw and latest signing midfielder Sean Longstaff all began on the bench.
Gudmundsson, Bornauw and Longstaff were then brought on for the second half but it was after the game that Farke delivered the biggest Whites news of the day. Patrick Bamford was not part of the squad and Farke revealed afterwards that he had informed the striker that he was not part of his Premier League plans.
Farke also revealed that Jack Harrison, however, who started the game, would be given every chance to work his way back into his plans after two seasons away on loan at Everton.
Another big feature of the afternoon revolved around United’s new look system, Farke opting for a 4-3-3 as opposed to last season’s 4-2-3-1, effectively playing with three centre midfielders and without a no 10.
Brenden Aaronson, Farke’s choice in the 10 position last season, was one of four other players missing, Aaronson given more time off after his busy summer with the USA at the Concacaf Gold Cup.
But with Leeds closing in on another big signing of Germany international midfielder Anton Stach, Saturday’s friendly was perhaps an indication that the changed system might be here to stay.
Taking everything into consideration, this is our idea of the new strongest XI and bench - without Stach - who would likely start in centre midfield if and when signing.
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7. CM: Anton Stach
As a €20m new signing, the very highly regarded Stach surely goes into the XI and in all likelihood next to Ampadu as one the two more defensive centre midfielders. | LUFC
8. CM: Sean Longstaff
£12m new boy Longstaff is a player that even Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe didn't want to leave which speaks volumes and it would seem likely that Farke wil try and get him in his first choice XI. That said, that would likely mean Ao Tanaka dropping out and Tanaka appeals as the most attacking option of the centre midfielders so it's a hard call, as is leaving out Ilia Gruev. Brenden Aaronson, meanwhile, would likely get the nod in a 4-2-3-1. | Getty Images
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9. RW: Dan James
James has been quiet in pre-season so far but there can't be much doubt that the speedster and last season's player of the year is first choice winger fresh from signing his new deal. | LUFC
10. LW: Willy Gnonto
Another hard one to call as the returning Jack Harrison has feature heavily in the pre-season friendlies thus far. He could well make the XI if he gets back to his best. Then there's Largie Ramazani in the melting pot too. But Gnonto probably gets the call as it stands although it is clear that Leeds are trying to sign another winger with their sights set on the exciting Paixao. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
11. ST: Joel Piroe
Another hard call, even with Bamford no longer in the mix, as free summer signing Lukas Nmecha has featured heavily in pre-season and might emerge as something of a key man surprise package. It could also be that Piroe ends up playing as a no 10. But the Dutchman was last season's top scorer and Championship Golden Boot winner who is probably first choice striker as it stands although getting a big new signing in the position looks a must, hence the Muniz interest. | Getty Images
12. Sub: Karl Darlow
Darlow replaced Ilan Meslier as first choice keeper towards the end of the Championship-winning campaign but it's still quite a hard call as to who would now be 'no 2' behind Perri. It also seems very unlikely that both will stick around, Meslier in particularly the subject of transfer interest. Darlow, though, appears main back up - a role he has previously been used to. Solid option to have. | Andrew Matthews/PA Wire