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‘Don’t need people to tell me’ – Leeds United man details transformation under Marcelo Bielsa

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Leeds United full-back Stuart Dallas has commented on his introduction to Marcelo Bielsa as he continues to shine in a new position to him.

When Bielsa first arrived at Elland Road, there were a lot of doubts over a lot of the existing squad and whether they’d survive the axe as he looked to trim the squad.

One of the first-team regulars who’s been transformed under the Argentine since his arrival has been Stuart Dallas.

Originally signed from Brentford as a winger who can play on either flank with similar effect, he has found comfort in slotting in at left-back and slicing a constant problem from Bielsa’s first season at Elland Road.

Promotion to the top flight saw the departure of Barry Douglas to Blackburn, further strengthening Dallas’ grip on the starting spot at left-back.

His performances have been solid despite Leeds conceding a league high of 17 in eight games.

Scoring against Leicester City last week, he was arguably Leeds’ best player on the night and showed just how good he can be at both ends of the pitch.

Tactically and physically, the Leeds squad are on another level thanks to Bielsa. Dallas conducted an interview with The Athletic where it was revealed that the former Brentford man has shed 5kg of body weight to conform with El Loco’s strict requirements.

Speaking to The Athletic, Dallas has been commenting on how Bielsa has changed his game mentally. He stated: “He sees the game differently.

“He sets the standards really, really high – what I demand of myself now.

“I know when I’ve had a good game or a bad game. I don’t need people to tell me.”

The Northern Irishman has arguably been the most improved player under Bielsa alongside Mateusz Klich, and it’s showing this season

Converting from winger to full-back is no mean feat, especially in a side with lofty expectations like us, so hats off to Dallas.

The standards have clearly been raised since Bielsa joined, with fitness and intensity raised dramatically.

The full-backs in Bielsa’s system are vital to how we attack and we’ve been stifled in wide areas over the past two games, meaning Ayling and Dallas haven’t had the same influence in the final third that we’ve grown used to, even if he scored.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.