Leeds United have struggled for consistency since their return to the Premier League, but can you change their fortunes in FIFA 23 Career Mode?
The squad already boasts some high-potential young players, all you need to do is develop them quickly!
A sleeping giant of English football, Leeds is certainly a project worth taking on in FIFA 23.
Team Rating
Leeds has a 4-star rating in FIFA 23, with a 76 OVR.
The breakdown of the ratings is as follows: ATT 78, MID 76, DEF 75.
Starting Lineup and Formation
Illan Meslier (OVR 77) is your number one, and with massive potential, he won't need replacing anytime soon.
At full-back, we would opt for Rasmus Kristensen (OVR 77) on the right and Junior Firpo (OVR 75) on the left.
Robin Koch (OVR 76) and Pascal Struijk (OVR 76) are our preferred centre-backs due to their potential to improve to 80+ OVR.
Protecting the back four is a defensive midfield duo of Tyler Adams (OVR 76) and Marc Roca (OVR 76), which should provide plenty of energy.
Luis Sinisterra (OVR 80) and Jack Harrison (OVR 77) will provide pace and creativity from the wings.
Through the middle, we would opt for the experienced pair of Rodrigo (OVR 77) and Patrick Bamford (OVR 78), although there are some exciting youngsters available off the bench.
Tactics and Instructions
Leeds' default tactics are to Press After Possession Loss and then attack with Fast Build Up and Forward Runs.
This is suited to players who like to win the ball back high up the pitch and counterattack with pace.
However, it can leave a lot of space in behind your defence, so you will want to make sure there is some recovery pace at your disposal.
We would also keep both CDMs on Stay Back While Attacking to provide a more solid base in midfield.
Development Plans
Leeds has plenty of talented young players, and three of them have CAM as their most-suited position.
Joe Gelhardt, Luis Sinisterra, and Wilfried Gnonto could all be used in a 4-2-3-1 narrow behind a lone striker.
Brenden Aaronson is also a promising CAM, so a slight change of formation could prove useful.
Transfer Market
Starting budget: £44 million
Who should go?
Without incurring the wrath of Leeds fans, we would look to offload several of their more experienced players who are on substantial wages.
Adam Forshaw, Mateusz Klich, Diego Llorente, and Joel Robles are all surplus to requirements in our opinion.
This should bring in an extra £10 million to your transfer budget, and free up another £100k in wages.
Loans
Dan James is a player we would consider recalling from his loan at Fulham as his blistering pace can be a valuable asset.
Lewis Bate and Charlie Cresswell are two players also out on loan that are worth keeping on the books.
In the squad currently, Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins are two promising young players that could benefit from a loan spell.
Who to Sign
Bring in a striker. Bamford will get goals but with Leeds' exciting young team we would be looking to bring in a younger model!
With Leeds' high-pressing and energetic style, we want our lone striker to be quick and have a high potential.
England forward Tammy Abraham (OVR 82) could be the perfect fit with his blend of physicality and goal-scoring ability.
Moise Kean (OVR 78) and Donyell Malen (OVR 79) could also be useful, and slightly cheaper, alternative options.
Transfer Targets (ST)
Player | Age | Club | Cost | Wage | OVR | POT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Victor Osimhen | 23 | Napoli | £50m | £62k | 83 | 89 |
Tammy Abraham | 24 | Roma | £36m | £66k | 80 | 85 |
Matheus Cunha | 23 | Atletico Madrid | £34m | £52k | 81 | 86 |
Nicolo Zaniolo | 22 | Roma | £47m | £61k | 81 | 88 |
Donyell Malen | 23 | Borussia Dortmund | £24m | £40k | 79 | 85 |
Moise Kean | 22 | Juventus | £28m | £35k | 78 | 86 |
Left-back is a point of weakness for Leeds with a lack of potential growth, so we are looking for a mobile and talented young LB/LWB.
There are several good options for the role, although many have already transferred in Summer 2022, meaning they won't be available to sign straight away.
PSG's Nuno Mendes (OVR 80) and Arsenal's Kieran Tierney (OVR 81) are both quality left-backs, but they may not want to switch to Leeds.
Instead, Espanyol's 24-year-old left-back Adria Pedrosa (OVR 77) is a cheaper alternative and has an 83 Potential.
Transfer Targets (LB/LWB)
Player | Age | Club | Cost | Wage | OVR | POT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
David Raum | 24 | RB Leipzig | £30m | £42k | 81 | 85 |
Kieran Tierney | 25 | Arsenal | £28m | £71k | 81 | 85 |
Nuno Mendes | 20 | PSG | £38m | £46k | 80 | 88 |
Tyrell Malacia | 22 | Man Utd | £23m | £74k | 79 | 85 |
Owen Wijndal | 22 | Ajax | £21m | £14k | 79 | 83 |
Sergino Dest | 21 | AC Milan (on loan) | £19m | £61k | 77 | 85 |
Adria Pedrosa | 24 | Espanyol | £13m | £14k | 77 | 83 |
Board Expectations
The Leeds board is focused on building the club, with Financial and Brand Exposure as their high priorities.
Your results on the pitch are not as important, although you will certainly be tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League!
Domestic Success and Continental Success have low and very low priorities respectively.
Youth Development is also low on the list of priorities, but it is always worth investing a bit of money into your academy.