There is no secret that Leeds United have changed their approach ahead of the Premier League season, with Daniel Farke and Leeds identifying the need for more physicality in the top tier.
Last season, the Championship title winners dominated game after game thanks to their technique and tactical awareness. Daniel Farke’s side controlled matches simply because they were technically superior.
In the Premier League, that is not going to be the case. Leeds need to find another way to win games and they have identified the need for taller players and a better aerial prowess in order to pick up victories.
It paid off on Monday night, as Leeds matched Everton and were actually the better side. Leeds were the better team in the first half and eventually got the win, thanks to Lukas Nmecha’s late Leeds penalty.
David Moyes ahead of Everton's clash against Leeds.
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David Moyes shared his first impressions of new-look Leeds side
Of Leeds’ eight signings this summer, seven are above 6ft. Only Gabriel Gudmundsson falls below the 6ft bar, though at 5ft 11, he is still considered tall for a left-back. It saw Leeds show a steely, new approach.
Lucas Perri, Gudmundsson and Anton Stach all started while Nmecha and Sean Longstaff came off the bench for Leeds. This is a new-look Leeds under Farke, and David Moyes gave his verdict on the Whites.
“Got to give great credit to Leeds. They were incredibly intense. We played into their hands, but they were a handful. We defended their corners well. Got better after the break, not enough to warrant anything.”
Daniel Farke after Leeds win over Everton.
Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Dom Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor continue Leeds United trend
The signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was not picked in Leeds’ squad to face his old side Everton, continues the trend of Leeds signing players over 6ft. Calvert-Lewin is renowned for his enormous leap.
It further improves Leeds in both boxes and will allow Dan James and Willy Gnonto to thrive, racing onto his knockdowns from long balls. It gives Leeds an added route to scoring goals, needed in the top tier.
Noah Okafor is close to joining Leeds for £17.25m, and the Switzerland international stands at 6ft 1in. For a winger, that is considered tall given Leeds’ current options include James, Gnonto and Largie Ramazani.