Luis Sinisterra could solve potential Leeds United problem
Soon after Manchester City's deal for Kalvin Phillips was announced on Monday morning, Leeds fans were distracted from the disappointment of losing their homegrown star, as news broke that the Whites were close to agreeing a deal with Feyenoord for their Colombian winger, Luis Sinisterra. Although the Whites have yet to agree a deal to sell Raphinha, it looks most likely that the 23-year-old is set to be the Brazilian's replacement.
However, it is notable that whilst he is also a winger, he plays on the opposite side to Raphinha. Sinisterra is a right-footed left winger, and whilst he does like to play in space out wide, when he has the ball at his feet, he drives at the box, looking to create shooting opportunities. This was very effective for him in 21/22, as he scored 23 goals and assisted 14 in all competitions.
It is worth keeping in mind that Jesse Marsch may prefer to utilise the 4-2-2-2 formation that he used most often at RB Salzburg in his first full season at Elland Road. This formation would see Sinisterra take up different starting positions to those he has done for Feyenoord, where he's played in Arne Slot's 4-3-3 and can start wide and dribble inside. In the 4-2-2-2, he would be a little narrower receiving the ball, although his high technical ability and close control make him comfortable dribbling through compact spaces. His directness would also suit the way Marsch wants Leeds to play when they win the ball as he carries the ball at pace and towards the centre of the penalty area.
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However, in the latter matches of Leeds' season, Marsch set Leeds up in a 4-2-3-1 more often, which had a little more width than the American coach has tended to prefer in the past. As Victor Orta and Marsch have chosen to move on Sinisterra over Cody Gakpo - a player more used to playing in a 4-2-2-2 - this suggests that perhaps the Whites will continue with this formation, with wingers attacking the centre from out wide.
This would also make it likely that Jack Harrison will be shifted from the left wing to the right, taking Raphinha's position and allowing him to cut inside to shoot more himself, rather than primarily being a crosser, as he had been on the left. Marsch could also have other options to play that position on the right, as Brenden Aaronson is able to play there and Orta has been pursuing Club Brugge's Charles De Keteleare, who is capable of playing as a number nine or in any of the positions in the three behind the striker.
In bringing in Sinisterra, Leeds would be taking a risk as some attacking players have struggled when moving from the Eredivisie to the Premier League, due to the increased physicality of the league. However, with the various options mentioned above, plus the continued rise of Joe Gelhardt, Marsch would hope to be able to rotate enough to not have to overuse the Colombian as he adapts to the Premier League. When he does so, he should be a very exciting prospect indeed.
Raphinha's leant on Leeds United's special relationship but it's decision time
