Leeds United 2020/21 Season Preview: Strengths, Weaknesses, Key Man & Prediction

The wait is officially almost over.

Leeds United end a 16-year absence from English football's top flight when they kick off their 2020/21 Premier League season on 12 September, hosting none other than defending champions Liverpool on the opening day.

Leeds fans won't be fazed by the challenge that facing Liverpool will bring and will simply be happy to see their side among the English elite once more. Unfortunately, there's still no signs of crowds being allowed back into stadiums quite yet, so fans will be cheering on Marcelo Bielsa's side from home.

If anyone has the abilities to turn Leeds back into a regular Premier League fixture, it's Bielsa. Here's all you need to know heading into the 2020/21 season.

Strengths

Unity

Leeds have done well to keep hold of Kalvin Phillips, but they've also managed to bring back a number of familiar faces from last season. Helder Costa and Illan Meslier have signed on permanent deals and Jack Harrison returns on another season-long loan from Manchester City.

Leeds have accepted that last season's bright spark Ben White won't be returning this season and instead opted for a new face to strengthen their defence. Robin Koch has joined the club from Freiburg and will fill the hole that White has left, but at a much more affordable price.

Top-Level Signings

One major concern heading into the season was the lack of a true talisman leading the line in attack. Patrick Bamford managed 16 goals and four assists from 45 Championship games last season, which is an acceptable return, but one that could be improved on. In his 27 Premier League games, Bamford never looked cut out for the top flight and only managed one goal when at Middlesbrough.

To combat this, however, Leeds have signed Valencia's Rodrigo in a club record £27m deal. The 29-year-old scored 59 goals and made 41 assists in 220 appearances for Valencia, and adds some genuine Premier League level quality to their attack.

Weaknesses

Squad Depth

Leeds haven't gone overboard with signings which is largely a good thing in order to retain the sense of unity and togetherness within the team, but if they're dealt with injury blows and suspensions, then quality in depth could become an issue.

Despite the signing of centre back Koch, Leeds could still do with one or two more defenders in order to bolster their back line. A strong defence is vital to staying in the Premier League and newly promoted sides that leak goals are bound to go down, no matter how exciting their style of play can be.

There's also been some quiet suggestions that another goalkeeper should be coming into the club for complete safety. Kiko Casilla lost his number one spot to 20-year-old Meslier towards the end of last season following an eight-game ban and will start next season as the backup. Leeds are willing to let him go for the right offer, and need to be prepared to replace him should that offer come in.

Key Man

There are a number of individuals to be excited about in this Leeds squad and if Bielsa can get them firing once more, they could all look like serious talents.

The man who could enjoy a big breakout in the Premier League, however, is midfielder Kalvin Phillips. Having just received his first senior England call-up for the squad's September Nations League fixtures, it's testament to just how good the 24-year-old has looked in recent times.

Philips has been the leader of the pack under Bielsa's tutelage, acting as a defensive screen just in front of the two centre backs and allowing Leeds to attack with peace of mind. The 'Yorkshire Pirlo' now has his chance to show his quality at top flight level and has an incredibly important role in making sure Leeds' defence stays solid next season, acting as the heartbeat of the side.

Prediction

Marcelo Bielsa has shown the intelligence and understanding of the game to succeed. The squad he's assembled feels good enough to assert itself, pick up a number of big wins and rack up a solid points tally, and there has to be a burning desire from everyone at the club to kick on and stay in the top flight after so long away.

It's never easy, though, and the Whites face a tricky run of fixtures in their opening five games. As well as an opening day clash with Liverpool, Leeds must also go away to Sheffield United, and they host Manchester City and Wolves.

If the squad can stay fit and focused on the task, and Bielsa is given the time and backing to work his wonders once more, then Leeds have the potential to not just stay in the Premier League, but push for an impressive finish.

Prediction: Lower Mid-Table Finish