[long_read]

Leeds United have certainly had a season to remember, although fans will only see it that way if they keep their title charge up and get back to the Premier League.

It's been fifteen years since they were last a top flight team and despite surviving this season with a small squad, they're the closest they've been to a return in a decade and a half.

[ad_pod ]

Marcelo Bielsa has worked wonders with his players, bringing in the likes of Mateusz Klich, whose career looked over at Elland Road, as well as developing Jack Clarke into a huge talent. He's kept faith with young players and those he trusts and so far, it's paid dividends.

That faith has seen some great performances by players otherwise thought to be on their way out, with Liam Cooper, derided last season, another who has benefitted from the new manager.

All over the park, the players have responded to the 63-year-old's methods and to his coaching team, but that got us thinking - which players from the last three years would also have thrived under Bielsa?

FLW put together three former Leeds players who would severely improve the current squad if they were still at the club...

[snack_break title="Chris Wood"]

What team wouldn't benefit from a scorer such as Wood? He's not been as prolific for Burnley, but he'd be a seriously good addition to the current side.

Not least because of Roofe's injury, nor because of Bamford's recent troubles, but purely because he's a natural finisher who would benefit from the high chance creation shown this season.

[snack_break title="Matt Grimes"]

Grimes didn't impress at Leeds, but he's the sort of player Bielsa could work with. He's energetic and has shown plenty of promise and development at Swansea.

He's just the sort of talent Bielsa would work well with.

[snack_break title="Ronaldo Vieira"]

Vieira must be kicking himself, because he'd be a big player for Leeds this season.

He's made six Serie A appearances, but had he stayed put he'd be working with one of the best coaches in the business and surely developing much faster.

[/long_read]