Leeds United may have signed the key to their massive Championship deficit – View

In a bid to reinvest in midfield, Leeds snapped up Joe Rothwell as Kamara headed to Rennes, joining on loan from Bournemouth after helping Southampton to promotion last season.

Joe Rothwell is starting to impress in Leeds’ pre-season

Rothwell was seen as a disappointing signing as the club looked to address a lack of options and attacking quality in midfield.

However, his loan arrival from Bournemouth gave Leeds a profile they desperately needed in the squad, someone more adept in advanced positions than they had last season – no goals in 46 regular season Championship games from the four main options , while Rothwell scored four. in half a season for the Saints.

His pre-season performances against Harrogate, Hannover and Schalke have shown that he fits the bill very well and could be a brilliant starter for Leeds in August.

Leeds’ high pressing setup without the ball seems to have grown somewhat if the pre-season friendlies are anything to go by, with Farke giving his double pivot more permission to press higher, playing even more to Rothwell’s strengths and co.

Rothwell’s play has already been showcased in Leeds’ pre-season

Last season, almost every set piece won by Leeds was quickly met with groans as the ball went into the first man, straight into the keeper’s gloves or was easily cleared.

This major shortcoming shows in the club’s goals from set pieces, managing eight all season, with only two teams mustering fewer from a set piece.

With Leeds averaging six corners and 13 free-kicks per game, it’s a sad return and one that Rothwell could help improve.

Both goals against Schalke came from set pieces, one from a deep free-kick which Rothwell wanted to take, playing a one-two with Pascal Struijk before cutting a delightful through ball to Jayden Bogle, who scored for Matthew Joseph:

Rothwell was also in the corner producing some dangerous crosses in both halves but found success with a short 2-0 move as he quickly laid off Georginio Rutter who turned and crossed to Joel Piroe at the back post.

Leeds’ lack of quality from set-pieces boils down to a few factors: poor delivery, poor finishing and a worrying lack of creativity – Rothwell can’t pick up and finish set-pieces, but he’s certainly looking to sort out the delivery and creativity. of the side.