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It is no secret that Marcelo Bielsa is a manager that is stubborn and largely set in his own ways, but the weekend defeat against Sheffield United was probably the clearest sign yet that he has a pecking order of players – especially when it comes to substitutions.
On the chalkboard
Had it not been for a series of injuries and suspensions, the Argentine boss may well have stuck with the same core of 18-20 first-teamers given what he has done at his previous clubs.
Unfortunately since he arrived at Elland Road he hasn’t had that luxury and has had to delve deeper into his squad to use the likes of Leif Davis, Aapo Halme and Jordan Stevens on occasions.
However, while it may be the case that players like Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw and Barry Douglas are guaranteed a spot in the 18-man squad if they are available, the same can’t always be said for youngsters like Jack Clarke, Izzy Brown and Jamie Shackleton.
Clear pecking order
It seems that way.
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Even when Leeds are in need of a goal and a fresh threat in the final third – as they were against the Blades on Saturday – the proof is that Douglas or Dallas seem more likely to enter proceedings first than either Clarke and Shackleton, with the latter ending the game as an unused substitute at the weekend.
The presence of the summer addition from Wolves on the field saw Alioski push forward into a left-wing role – with the Scot replacing Harrison is a change that we have seen time and time again from Bielsa in recent weeks – and you have to wonder whether the manager should change his ways.
Likewise, Dallas came on at the same time as Clarke and replaced Ayling, even though Shackleton filled in excellently for the 27-year-old when he was injured earlier in the season and would arguably provide more of an attacking threat.
All in all, Bielsa needs to ditch his preferred pecking order and give more minutes to talented individuals like Brown and Shackleton rather than keep relying on experienced pros that aren’t delivering.
