Forshaw names the two key factors that will help Leeds win promotion

Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw believes that an emphasis on youth and continuity can help his side earn promotion back to the Premier League this year.

Despite occupying one of the automatic promotion spots for the majority of last season, Marcelo Bielsa’s side just fell short of regaining their Premier League status, eventually losing to Derby County in the play-off semi-finals.

Leeds have managed to keep hold of Bielsa, while the signings of Helder Costa, Ben White, and the loan return of Jack Clarke have given fans renewed optimism that they could finally return to the top flight at the end of the season.

Forshaw is confident that will be the case, insisting the squad is now stronger than it was last season.

“Definitely,” he told Yorkshire Evening Post. “And I think one thing the manager has done which is exceptional is the young players that he has brought through.

“The future is so bright at the club, I have never been at a club with so many good young players and then there are the additions of Ben and Helder, Clarkey has come back and Jack Harrison has looked very sharp since he has come back.

“He has come back in brilliant shape and I am really excited to see them all and see how they do.”

Retaining the services of Bielsa has been a massive boost for Leeds, and Forshaw affirmed that having a second season under the Argentine will be a benefit.

“Continuity is a big thing,” he said. “Marcelo knows what he wants from us and we know what he wants from us.

“If we can just go that one step further, try and gain a little bit more fitness and play with the intensity that we did last season then we will be a force to be reckoned with. We are more determined than ever.

“We have made some good additions, the lads are a lot more accustomed to how the manager wants us to play now and we are used to the training and the way it is day to day.

“Continuity is a really good thing and going into the season everything is really good.”

 

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