Analysis: Michael Dawson on the promoted teams - Leeds United
Thu 10 September 2020, 16:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
As we count the hours to the start of the Premier League this weekend, we turned to Michael Dawson, our legendary former defender and occasional captain between 2005-2014, for his insight into the three teams promoted from the Championship who we will face in 2020/21 - Fulham, West Brom and champions Leeds United.
Ever-popular, ‘Daws’, who proudly led us to a 1-0 win against Milan in the San Siro in the Champions League in 2011, knows the Championship inside-out having played 67 times for Hull and Forest in the last three seasons.
After his thoughts on Fulham and West Brom, last but by no means least, Leeds United, champions last season and now ready for their first season in the Premier League since 2003/04.
Leeds United
Never outside the top four in 2019/20, the Marcelo Bielsa revolution at Elland Road catapulted Leeds back into the top flight. They went top after beating Fulham 3-0 on 21 June and won seven of their last eight matches after lockdown to take the title by 10 points.
Daws: "I thought Leeds were unfortunate not to go up in 2018/19. They were up there all season, got pipped by Sheffield United and then lost to Derby in the play-offs. You’ve seen what Sheffield United have been able to do in the Premier League and that just shows what teams can do coming up from the Championship. Chris Wilder, what a job he’s done there. Leeds will no doubt try to replicate that.
"For me, Leeds were rightly champions. They learned from 12 months ago, and that’s something we can look to at Forest. There were no rash decisions, Bielsa stayed and they made some good additions, Ben White, a young centre-back on loan from Brighton, was a player I particularly liked.
"They pass the ball, like Fulham, Hernandez in behind Bamford, Alioski plays everywhere, they’ve got pace, Costa, Phillips holding in midfield, Klich, they’ve got top-class Championship players and now they’ve got the opportunity to play in the Premier League. I’m sure they will be similar to Sheffield United, fearless, and play in an exciting style. Bielsa will have them ready. They work hard and are a fit team and have a focal point in Bamford up front. They all seem to play in different positions. Leeds were the best team last season and deserved it."
One to watch
Daws: "I really liked Ben White last season, a centre-half, he was on loan from Brighton, a real talent. I’m not surprised to see Brighton nail him down. Liam Cooper, captain, he’s been around for a while, another player I like. He’s done well. Kalvin Phillips, bags of energy, fit, aggressive, he gets around the pitch and made his England debut this week. They are a good team and it will be interesting to see how they get on in the Premier League. One thing’s for sure, Bielsa, a top manager, will have them right at it."
