A look at where free agent arrival Harry Wilson could be most effective for Leeds United next season.
Wilson registered 10 goals and seven assists in 36 games last season, playing mostly on the right of an attacking trio behind striker Raul Jimenez in a 4-2-3-1. But the Welshman is versatile and can operate just as comfortably in different formations or slightly altered positions.
With that in mind, the YEP has taken a look below at three ways in which Daniel Farke can get the best out of his new signing...
Straightforward Brenden Aaronson replacement
Harry Wilson on the right of a 3-4-2-1.placeholder image
Harry Wilson on the right of a 3-4-2-1. | Lineup-builder.com
In what felt almost like a hybrid position last season, Wilson would be tasked with defending as a winger but when Leeds have possession, he would be free to drift into half-spaces and get close to Calvert-Lewin. In such a case, the width would come from wing-back Jayden Bogle and if possible, even right-sided centre-back Joe Rodon.
This certainly feels like the most simple option for Farke when it comes to getting Wilson involved, although the summer arrival would have to get up to speed with the defensive side of things quickly. Aaronson is second to none when it comes to pressing from the front, an important demand for anyone looking to usurp him.
Behind two strikers
Harry Wilson behind two strikers in a 3-5-2.placeholder image
Harry Wilson behind two strikers in a 3-5-2. | Lineup-builder.com
Some success was also enjoyed last season when Leeds went ultra-direct, pairing Calvert-Lewin with another physical striker in Lukas Nmecha and playing off the pair. In this 3-5-2 formation, Wilson would be the most advanced of the midfield trio with Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach mopping things up behind him.
The main route to chances for Wilson in this role would come from knockdowns, with the technically gifted forward able to roam where he sees fit and benefit from Calvert-Lewin or Nmecha link-up play. He could also drift into wide areas if that’s where the space is, with that brilliant left foot now able to aim for two aerially powerful frontmen in the box.
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But while two strikers worked incredibly well at home to Chelsea last season, there were also clear limitations in other games including a lack of width in the final third. Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson would be tasked with dominating the touchline but could easily be doubled up on, with most Premier League teams playing full-backs and wingers.
Back four and No.10
Harry Wilson as the 10 in a 4-2-3-1.placeholder image
Harry Wilson as the 10 in a 4-2-3-1. | Lineup-builder.com
Farke’s preference for a back-four is well known and while Leeds enjoyed a lot of success in a back three, mid-game tweaks often proved effective last season. The Whites played some of their best football after reverting to a four at home to Liverpool, for example, or away at Sunderland and Brentford.
And that No.10 role behind Calvert-Lewin would suit Wilson, with more space to work with if a pair of wingers - in this case Okafor and Daniel James - are keeping the opposition defence stretched. The former Fulham man would also be free to drift wide and link-up with those wingers and the full-backs.
It feels that right now, however, this would be an in-game option for Farke if Leeds are chasing goals. His desire to play a possession-dominant style and back-four usually requires technically superior players and in comparison to a lot of Premier League rivals, he can’t boast that just yet.
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