OPINION
Leeds United saw plenty of changes come their way in the summer window – not least the change of manager – and there would be very few who could argue that the new looks Whites side is a much improved one from last season.
The Whites are among a number of clubs launching an early bid for Championship success this campaign with a bright start in the second tier, but as with any side there seem to be improvements needed to help bolster the side moving forward.
One of the areas that Bielsa looks to be lacking is at centre back, with injuries and suspensions forcing the manager’s hand to improvise and use a number of different combinations of defenders to fill the void.
It might not have been that way had those at the top of Elland Road had their way, with the Yorkshire Evening Post having revealed over summer that the club were in talks for then-Swansea City star Kyle Bartley – the giant defender eventually joining Championship rivals West Brom, who are also chasing a top six finish.
However, the Whites seem to have dodged a massive bullet in the shape of the Baggies man, for his performances have been poor – playing an unwanted role in the goal which allowed Blackburn Rovers to equalise on Saturday – and he has left the Hawthorns faithful ballistic on numerous occasions this season.
As gathered by This is Futbol the fans have turned to Twitter to slam his displays against Blackburn, Derby County, Preston North End and Bristol City, and while some might argue he is a scapegoat, the truth is that his performances have left West Brom fans wanting much, much more.
Leeds might well need a centre back but they can be glad they missed out on Bartley – otherwise it would be them tearing their hair out this season.