Marcelo Bielsa has been backed by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to have a big impact in the Premier League if he can lead Leeds United back to the top table of English football.

Leeds have made a fine start to the season under Bielsa, whose arrival at Elland Road came to the shock of many across the English game.

The 63-year-old is one of world football’s most renowned head-coaches, working with some top talent over the course of his career.

In 17 fixtures of the Championship season Bielsa has Leeds in promotion contention, with Leeds collecting 30 points.

The Whites’ fluid style of attacking, high-intensity football has been praised by many, and Hasselbaink believes that Bielsa’s football philosophy would be welcome in the Premier League.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, speaking exclusively to 888sport was quick to praise Leeds and Bielsa: “It’s not only the exciting football that the Premier League will benefit from with Leeds but from having the whole club.  

“They would be a big addition to the league because they are a magnificent club. I’m extremely happy with how they’re playing – it’s such good football and nice to the eye and I’ve been to see Bielsa at Leeds to find out what they’re doing and how they’re doing it.

“He is an exceptional coach.” 

Leeds have been left to stew over the international break following a heavy defeat to West Brom earlier in November.

That prevented Leeds from maintaining the pace at the top of the Championship table, but Bielsa’s side will be looking for a return to winning ways this weekend at Elland Road when Bristol City visit.

The Robins’ visit to LS11 is the first of two home fixtures in the space of a week, with Reading heading to Yorkshire on Tuesday.

The Verdict  

Bielsa has had an influence on the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino in their career, so to see them go up against him in the Premier League would be interesting to watch.

Leeds have probably played the most attractive brand of football in the Championship this season, but it still remains to be seen whether that’s enough to secure a Premier League return.

There’s no doubt that the top-flight would benefit from Leeds and a manager of Bielsa’s stature, though.

Thoughts? Let us know!

Read the full 888sport interview with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink including his thoughts how Aguero and Lewandowski are Harry Kane’s only equals.