OPINION
While Leeds United might be top of the Championship table there is little doubting they have been on something of a roller-coaster this season – and the club’s current highs are not without their lows.
From injuries to suspensions, as well as on and off field controversies, there has been plenty for everyone at Elland Road to deal with, not least manager Marcelo Bielsa.
He might have found himself under severe scrutiny for his actions this campaign but there can be no questioning that he has been brilliant on the sidelines, turning a bang average Leeds side from last season into a competitive force with minimal additions in the transfer window.
He has relied heavily on the young talents coming through the system at Thorp Arch and with the Yorkshire Evening Post reporting that Bielsa is facing something of a crisis in defence ahead of their clash with Rotherham.
With Pontus Jansson out through suspension and Gaetano Berardi injured, it leaves the Argentine choosing between natural midfielder Kalvin Phillips and rarely seen youngster Aapo Halme to partner Liam Cooper at the heart of defence – and it is a no brainer of a decision for the manager.
Phillips has been a makeshift centre back and while he fits into a back three, he does not have the qualities to fill in in the middle of a back four and would be better suited playing in the centre of the pitch to ensure success against Rotherham.
As for Halme, who has five appearances for the Whites this season, he has performed admirably when called upon and he needs to be filling the void to give Phillips the chance to shine in midfield.
Both options for the centre back role could well play against Rotherham, but it has to be Halme starting at the back to bring the best hope of another victory on the way to a potential title.