Remarkable Leeds lineup made up of players not involved at FT vs Wolves

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Leeds United’s stunning victory over Wolves was remarkable for a number of reasons.

Firstly, Luke Ayling’s stoppage-time winner saw Leeds go 3-2 ahead after the Whites had gone into the break 2-0 down. It was also the second time in as many games that Jesse Marsch’s men have scored a winner after the board has gone up.

But it was also all the more impressive because Leeds managed it despite having their lineup decimated by injury at Molineux.

Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper returned to the bench after not playing since December. But neither was involved as Leeds lost Patrick Bamford, Diego Llorente and Mateusz Klich before the break.

Their woes got worse after the interval. Illan Meslier had to be replaced after being involved in the clash that led to Raul Jimenez receiving a second yellow card.

It meant that under-23 regulars Kristoffer Klaesson, Charlie Cresswell and Sam Greenwood were all on the pitch for a rare first-team outing at full-time.

Of course, Leeds are not always going to be able to produce a last-minute goal to earn them some points. And that may be a concern with their relegation concerns not yet completely alleviated.

However, Leeds can take a lot of encouragement from the amount of quality not on the pitch at full-time against Wolves, particularly with Marsch suggesting that the four players taken off will be fine.

In fact, an XI made up of those on the sidelines is frankly outstanding.

Remarkable Leeds lineup from players not on pitch at FT against Wolves

Obviously, Meslier, Llorente, Klich and Bamford are involved.

Meslier and Llorente are joined by Jamie Shackleton, Liam Cooper and Junior Firpo in the back-line.

Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips sits alongside Klich in midfield. Top goalscorer Raphinha and Tyler Roberts are in front of them.

And up front, Bamford and Joe Gelhardt lead the line…

In truth, that side is not far off being Leeds’ best. Bamford was lethal last season. Raphinha is their top goalscorer. And no player was more important to the system under Marcelo Bielsa than Phillips. He is also being linked with £60 million bids this summer.

Cooper is the captain. Meslier is the number one. And there are three more internationals.

Unfortunately, Roberts is out for the rest of the season. And Firpo is making his way back from injury. But the rest could all potentially be involved against Southampton after the international break.

That should certainly alarm some of their relegation rivals.