Is Leif Davis the next option for Leeds United at centre-back?

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Leeds United’s decision to go with just three recognised centre-backs has raised eyebrows again this season. Pontus Jansson was allowed to leave in the summer with just ben White brought in. Under-23 talents like Hugo Diaz and Aapo Halme were also cast aside. 

It leaves Leeds with captain Liam Cooper, loanee White and Gaetano Berardi, a full-back convert, as their central defensive options. 

Many will point to the potential for Luke Ayling and Kalvin Phillips to fill in, whilst Pascal Struijk is also an option from the under-23s. 

But could Leif Davis be the option Leeds end up turning to if needed?

The left-back by-trade has been spoken of as a potential central defender by Marcelo Bielsa and was on the bench for the recent clash with Millwall. 

He played in a back three in Leeds’ two EFL Cup games this season and impressed in those games so perhaps the former Morecambe youngster’s versatility could see him get a chance for Leeds during Cooper’s absence. 

Indeed, after his impressive display against Stoke City, Leeds’ boss spoke highly of the teenager and his chances of first-team football in conversation with Leeds Live. 

“Of course he can [make the league squad].

“He was one of the players that had a positive performance in that game. He didn’t make the mistakes he made in previous games. He made corrections.”

If so, the 19-year-old will hope to continue his previous track record of always impressing when thrown in the deep end by Marcelo Bielsa.