Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny believes the new pitch being laid at Elland Road will be a ‘massive’ boost for the players next season.
The Lowdown: Leeds shine back in the Premier League
The Whites excelled in their first year back in the Premier League, finishing ninth and proving to be a hugely entertaining team.
Leeds’ ball-playing style made them popular with neutral supporters, with Marcelo Bielsa ensuring his side kept possession impressively, not to mention working unbelievably hard off the ball.
Of course, Bielsa’s fast-flowing and incredibly intense system would benefit from being played on a top quality surface.
The Latest: Kenny hails new pitch
A new pitch is currently being installed at Elland Road ahead of next season, giving the players a Premier League standard surface to perform on in 2021/22.
Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny believes it can only be a good thing for the home side, catering to Leeds’ needs:
“They relayed it last year as well. It could be a big boost, massive, for the players. They want a pitch that’s running smooth and true for the players.
“They need it to be like a bowling green and I’m sure that’s why they’re spending money on a new surface that’s gonna be up to standard and suit their style of play.
“If you’re on a bad pitch as well, you’re gonna get more injuries. Players are turning and it’s slippery and it makes it easier to pick up injuries when you’re playing on that sort of surface.”
The Verdict: He makes a good point
In order for Leeds to be able to master their style, a great pitch is a necessity, making it easier to fizz passes into one another.
For that reason, the new turf is a major positive, hopefully allowing the Whites to make a flying start at home next season and repeat last year’s success, while also making it more difficult for visiting teams who decide to sit deep, as the ball will be moving a lot faster.
That’s not to say that the Elland Road pitch wasn’t impressive before, but completely replacing it should only be a good thing, with the added bonus Kenny alludes to of preventing fluke injuries.
In other news, a former Leeds United favourite is delighted for one player after a key development. Read more here.
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