Your perfect guide to an Lufc Preseason

Although we haven't been informed where we're going or who we're playing, preseason is just around the corner for Leeds United and this ones a big'n.

The club are at a crossroads at this current time, we have a youthful squad, talented and capable of big performances and a fantastic manager that is eager to prove himself.

That combination is one that we've been dreaming of for some time and promotions have been won for less.

This in total, means this preseason needs to be a big one. We need to hit the ground running and really push to start the season on a rich vein of preseason prowess.

We need to be arranging games against clubs who can challenge us, not just based in the UK, but abroad. We don't need to beat a second rate team 17-0 to prove our ability, we need to play lower end Europa League teams and see how we fettle.

Teams like Ludogrets or Rapid Vienna could be the perfect way to pick out our best performers and games at home to the likes of Sheffield United and Rangers could really get bums on seats at Elland Road.

​Now to the squad. We already have a talented squad, even if it is a little short of numbers and no new signings have been arranged.
To my count, we have 22 first team players, just over enough to fill a squad. This however does include three goalkeepers, the torrid Tommaso Bianchi and youth players like Lewie Coyle and Ronaldo Vieira.

There's no doubt we need some reinforcements, but there are fringe players in the squad that could yet come good under Garry Monk.

Lee Erwin started to show his potential when he featured at the back end of the season and at only 21-years old, he still has time to grow. I'd expect that the young Scottish forward will be eager to impress under his new boss.

There is also forgotten man Caspar Sloth and although it was said he could be a 'Rosler type of player' the same can be said under Garry Monk. The former Swansea boss is a big fan of playmakers who can dictate play and I'd expect Monk to give Sloth his chance before August.

Finally, their are players that are currently in the youth ranks that could be set to feature this preseason. The aforementioned Ronaldo Vieira has been touted as one of the next players to be a star at Elland Road and will definitely be in Monk's plans for preseason.

​His technical ability and versatility are meant to be some of the best at Thorp Arch, with many people stating he is a star in the making for the Whites.

Other youngsters who may be set to feature this preseason are;

Tyler Denton: a flying left back who has the talent and knowledge to be an instant backup for Charlie Taylor this season.

Jack Vann: a young centre-back who has already been touted as a future England defender and who is a big character in the youth setup.

Tom Pearce: a left sided midfielder or defender who has both goals and assists in his game.

​Eoghan Stokes: the striker that was promised. Stokes has been a fantastic talent for the youth squads and looks to be ready to make the step up to the first team squad.
Henry Rollinson: a right midfielder who can also play central. Technically gifted with a footballing brain that surpasses his young age.

Overall, we could see a few new lads come in to the squad this summer even if signings aren't in abundance. Although it's not a break the bank £5million+ signing, I do love a young lad coming through the youth ranks to star in a white shirt.

Here's to the Whites having a fantastic to preseason and starting the season that promises everything off well.

On On On to July!

By Ryan Ingham