Consequence

Leeds United: Lewis Bate could be set for big boost after Jesse Marsch announcement

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Image for Leeds United: Lewis Bate could be set for big boost after Jesse Marsch announcement

Leeds United midfielder Lewis Bate could be set to benefit with Jesse Marsch being hired to replace Marcelo Bielsa as manager. 

Over the weekend, the Whites opted to sack the Argentine after a number of poor results which left them just two points above the relegation zone.

However, the Whites have been quick to act after Bielsa’s departure by appointing former RB Leipzig coach Marsch.

With the American now at Thorp Arch, he could look to make a few changes as he imprints his specific style of management upon the team.

With that in mind, Bate could be one man to benefit from the current situation.

Forshaw alternative

With Kalvin Phillips struggling for fitness for large chunks of the season, Adam Forshaw has had to take up the mantle in the middle of the park of late.

However, considering the club’s poor form, Marsch may want to opt for a younger, more dynamic option in that role. Even if Forshaw continues to be the more trusted option, Bate may get some minutes off the bench to impress.

While Bielsa was not unwilling to give young players a chance, he was seemingly cautious of playing the teen too frequently. Indeed, this season, Bate has been limited to just one appearance in the Premier League.

Marsch, however, is on the record of saying he believes in using young players, telling Sky Sports: “I know I am always going to get talented young players to work with. My job is to make sure that I maximise their potential.”

So, with injuries curtailing Phillips’ season, and Leeds struggling with their current midfield setup, the new manager may look deep into his squad for an alternative and put his faith in Bate a little less cautiously.

Will Leeds avoid relegation this season?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Style of play

Beyond the need for something new in the middle of the park, Bate also could be a perfect fit for Marsch’s style of play. Much like Bielsa, he employs a high-intensity tactical plan. This suits Bate, who has been described as a ‘relentless runner’ by Scouted Football.

The American is also said to like to play with great verticality, meaning he needs technical players with the ability to immediately look to pass the ball forward up the pitch.

Despite his young age, Bate has been credited for his tempo-setting talent on the ball, with his passing labelled as his ‘bread-and-butter’. With that in mind, the teenager could be a great fit with Marsch’s tactical outlook.

TIF Verdict on Lewis Bate under Jesse Marsch at Leeds United…

In the end, still only 19 years of age, Bate may have been too young for Bielsa to trust this season. But with his technical quality and great work rate, it’s easy to see why he was signed during the former manager’s reign.

Marsch may play a similar style of football to Bielsa. And as he looks to develop youth within the team but implement his own tactical style, Bate could be moulded into the perfect player for this new Leeds vision.

In other news: ‘Forever grateful’ – Mum of Leeds ace sends Marcelo Bielsa heartfelt message

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