WHZ View: Haller could have golden opportunity to come alive against Leeds
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa took the odd decision to name his starting XI for Friday night’s game during his pre-match press conference and now West Ham must try to take advantage.
As a result of injuries to both Robin Koch and Diego Llorente, Bielsa confirmed that his two starting central defenders would be Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper.
Cooper has been a fairly consistent figure in the Leeds backline this season, making eight appearances in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Ayling has been predominantly deployed as a right-back, although he has been used centrally three times.
The new-look back four is something that Sebastien Haller must try to take advantage of if he starts the game at Elland Road – it has been reported that he could be dropped in favour of summer signing Said Benrahma.
Standing at 6ft 3in, Haller has the potential to impose himself physically on the Leeds duo should West Ham opt for a more direct style of play.
According to Wyscout, Cooper and Ayling have won just 61.4% and 63.6% of their aerial duels on average per 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, during Ayling’s last outing playing as a central defender – a 4-1 defeat away to Crystal Palace – he only managed to win 52% of his duels, as per Wyscout.
The one-time Arsenal player has impressed this season, there’s no doubt about that but he appears to be far more comfortable when playing as a marauding full-back on the right flank and less so as a central defender.
It has been a difficult season for Haller, who has found the back of the net just twice in the Premier League. However, there could be a golden opportunity for him on Friday night, up against a Leeds side who are not only struggling with injuries but have also conceded 11 goals in their five league games.
In other West Ham news, Impressive figures highlight Cresswell’s incredible 20/21 form at West Ham