Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa happy at being spoilt for choice

Historically, Marcelo Bielsa has preferred to lean on a tight group of players at Elland Road but even with eight fewer matches in a top-flight season, the physical demands are that much greater – particularly in 2020-21.

It is why Bielsa believes Helder Costa has an important role if Leeds’s run-in is not to peter out.

There were no signs of that on Tuesday as an energetic display got its just rewards at home to the Saints. Costa played his part after replacing Harrison at half-time.

Harrison – who played in all 46 league games last season, starting all but one, and has begun 24 out of 25 this – looked understandably jaded on Tuesday, as Klich, who has kicked off 114 of Bielsa’s 117 league games, has at times in 2021. Kalvin Phillips was out with a calf injury and Liam Cooper’s body has been susceptible too.

A brilliant performance from ever-present Stuart Dallas showed no signs of slowing up, but Leeds must be wary that he and/or Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford could hit the wall, even with the Premier League fixture list eased by the return of European competition.

It is why Costa’s display against Southampton was so encouraging, and why others on the fringes must be ready. Pascal Struijk and Ezgjan Alioski were supposed to fall into that category, but have been regulars.

“I always thought this competition demanded three players for two (wing) positions and a fourth player who also has possibilities,” reflected Bielsa

“Helder, Raphinha and Harrison all have the possibility of making contributions throughout the season. At this moment we can’t count on (Ian) Poveda but he’s also an alternative.”

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