How did Leeds do this season? 2021/22 FPL review
With the Premier League season over, it’s time to assess each of the 20 teams one by one. So here is Leeds’ FPL review of 2021/22.
A dramatic last day survival saw Leeds become the first side in 11 years to climb out of the relegation zone during the final day. It needed them to better Burnley’s result against Newcastle. Apart from a brief spell where Brentford equalised and Burnley pulled a goal back, this quickly looked likely.
The campaign began with a heavy 5-1 defeat at Man United and, having not won until Gameweek 7, they never ended a round above 15th place. Although their leaky defence was already well-known, a 7-0 hammering at Man City was soon followed by a particuarly bad streak of conceding 20 goals in five matches.
It led to the sad dismissal of beloved head coach Marcelo Bielsa, with Jesse Marsch arriving in late February. Three wins from five kept them hovering above danger but a trio of consecutive defeats dropped them into 18th at the worst time. Well, almost the worst.
FPL review
Only Norwich conceded more than their 79 goals, with a paltry total of five clean sheets. When studying underlying stats, Leeds were also amongst the worst three for conceding shots (581) and expected goals (74.77).
In terms of price rises, only £4.5m forwards Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood ended the season costing more. Stuart Dallas (£0.6m) and Jack Harrison (£0.5m) dropped significantly, although this feels harsh on the latter’s eight goals and 117 points.
Best FPL asset
Unsurprisingly, Raphinha has been Leeds’ best FPL asset. Aside from the aforementioned cheap, enabling forwards, the Brazilian was their only real option. Eight goals arrived during the opening 18 Gameweeks, where his 48 shots were only beaten by Liverpool trio Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota.
After Gameweek 32, he still ranked fifth for goal attempts. Heavily linked with Barcelona, it’s unlikely that Raphinha will remain at Elland Road next season.
Biggest FPL disappointment
Although Patrick Bamford’s season-long injury problems were disappointing, they weren’t his fault.
Therefore, perhaps Stuart Dallas had the biggest decline from last season. Although reclassifying him as a midfielder rather than a defender was always going to severely dent his FPL appeal, going from eight goals and three assists to just one of each is a big drop-off.
By matching the attacking output, he would have exceeded 120 points rather than his total of just 80.
Looking ahead to next season
Jesse Marsch already seems set to make his first signing in Yorkshire, as Brenden Aaronson is reported to be on his way for around £22m. Many new names are needed for both squad depth and to replace the outgoing Raphinha.
Assuming this departure happens, most FPL managers will initially stay clear of Leeds assets. Another relegation battle is on the cards.
Check out our other season reviews, as well as regular summer round-ups of FPL news and gossip.
