Leeds United’s dream end of January XI

No club has faced more turmoil than Leeds United over the last 15 years.

From different owners, administration and relegation to the the heartbreak of losing some of the best players the club have had.

As clubs like Portsmouth have really dropped away from the big time, Leeds are still so far away from their previous stature as one of the biggest clubs in the world. The woe of the Yorkshire club has been like a soap opera for many outside the region and it looks as though we could be waiting some time before seeing this sleeping giant compete with the biggest in the country once more.

The Championship is a notoriously difficult division to escape and Leeds are comfortably wedged in England’s second tier at the moment. Several fan bases feel that their club deserves to be back in the top flight, but Leeds will need to work harder than anyone to make it back with the big boys.

Here would be an ideal XI for the end of this window…

Marco Silvestri

A change of goalkeeper can cause turmoil within a defence and it would be quite a bold move for Leeds to look to change Silvestri at this stage of the season.

If Silverstri’s place does come under question, expect the management to wait until the summer before signing a replacement.

Gaetano Berardi

Sam Byram has played all down the right-flank this season, but his departure makes Berardi’s place at right-back a near certainty.

Sol Bamba

The big powerful centre-back has been solid throughout the majority of this season and is currently Leeds’ highest rated player on WhoScored.com.

Liam Cooper

The Scot has established himself at Leeds and has, impressively, managed to pick up only 2 yellow cards in 24 appearances this season.

Charlie Taylor

With Byram’s move this window, Taylor might be the next young star at Leeds to move up the leagues for his next big pay packet.

Taylor is capable all the way down the left hand side and is integral to the way Leeds play.

Lewis Cook

It has been a difficult time for Leeds fans, as they have watched many of their heroes move on to pastures new and the fans will be concerned that Cook could follow Byram out of the club.

At only 18, Cook has over a decade at the top level and may see the remainder of this season as his opportunity to build the next stage in his career.

Liam Bridcutt

Bridcutt’s brief spell in the Premier League did not go as he would have hoped, but his return to the Championship has seen the ex-Brighton man return to a standard he is more comfortable at.

Bridcutt’s presence in midfield gives Cook the bit more freedom to support the attack.

Ben Watson

It would be quite a coup if Leeds could add Watson to their squad this window, but Watford’s penchant for new signings might see the ex-Wigan man look for a move to guarantee himself minutes.

Mustapha Carayol

Positive feedback has already been given from coaches on Carayol’s first few training sessions. Leeds will hope the winger can provide an alternative spark in the attacking third and help them to push for a playoff spot.

Stuart Dallas

Dallas’ contribution of only one goal is very fitting for the problems that Leeds have had in the first half of this campaign.

The wide man is producing more key passes per game than any other Leeds player and will need to continue to be a creative influence as the business end of the season approaches.

Dwight Gayle

Chris Wood has found the net 8 times this season, but the additional pace and movement of Gayle could well help to stretch teams and give the side an alternative option in the forward line.

Gayle could, if required, play in a role from the wide positions or operate as one of a front two.