Bielsa could now solve Leeds' midfield woes with rarely-seen "gifted" 19 y/o prodigy - opinion

Leeds United failed to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad with any additions during the January transfer window.

The Yorkshire giants have suffered from numerous injuries throughout the 2021/22 campaign, so it’s quite surprising to see them fail to make at least one signing, especially in the midfield department, where it has now been four years and eight windows without an incoming.

It’s not entirely through any fault of their own, though.

Michael Cuisance failed a medical in 2020, Conor Gallagher snubbed them for Crystal Palace in the summer and the Whites saw two bids rejected for Brenden Aaronson during the final few weeks of last month.

Bielsa really could’ve done with some form of reinforcements as the injury situation has been really severe in recent weeks. During a Premier League clash against West Ham United, he could only name one senior pro on his nine-man bench, meaning there were eight academy prospects in the squad.

And with Kalvin Phillips missing another month as he looks to recover from hamstring surgery, the Argentine needs an extra body in the heart of midfield.

He could well find a little solution in U23 gem Lewis Bate, who actually made his top-flight debut in that aforementioned win over the Irons, which suggests that Bielsa sees enough in him to feature in the big time.

The 5 foot 6 pocket dynamo has been likened to Clarence Seedorf due to his ability to run games from midfield, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and new Everton boss Frank Lampard being some of his idols.

“Primarily, Bate is a No. 6, able to play either role in a double 6, or in a 3 with two 8s. Despite being quick and robust for his size, the question during his transition into senior football is how much and how early he’ll be