Following England’s defeat in the World Cup semi-final to Argentina, supporters’ focus has quickly shifted back towards their beloved Leeds United.

The bulk of United’s players have reported back to pre-season training recently, with the club posting various updates regarding their preparation on social media.

Daniel Farke’s side had a wonderful season last year as they avoided the drop comfortably. Hopefully, we can avoid the drop once again by any means necessary next season as we continue to establish ourselves as a top-flight outfit.

Our first pre-season friendly against Wrexham is on the horizon. So, here are three Leeds United stars who have a point to prove in pre-season.

Sean Longstaff needs to prove why he should be back in the starting XI

Sean Longstaff, 28, was brought in for £12million from Newcastle last summer.

The Englishman was brought in to add legs to our midfield and, more importantly, Premier League experience to our squad.

Throughout the early portions of the season, Longstaff was a regular in the side. Particularly when we started the campaign off in the 4-3-3 formation.

However, after picking up an injury in November, Longstaff was unable to start another Premier League game for the remainder of the season.

So, after just 10 starts and 23 Premier League appearances in total last season, it’s fair to say that Longstaff’s move to West Yorkshire has not gone as well as he’d have hoped.

The switch to a three-at-the-back formation certainly didn’t help him. Farke instead often opted to play a midfield two of Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu.

Ao Tanaka also found form near the backend of the season when United did play a midfield three. Forcing Longstaff to watch on from the bench.

Longstaff needs to prove to Farke in pre-season why he deserves to start more games in the new campaign.

With the news that the Whites could be reverting to a back four, this potentially means Leeds will play with a midfield three more often, aiding his chances of getting gametime.

Jaka Bijol needs to fight to not fall out of the starting XI

Whilst a potential switch to a back four may help Longstaff’s playing prospects, it could potentially do the opposite for Jaka Bijol.

Bijol joined us from Udinese last summer. The Slovenian was our marquee centre-back signing, joining for around £15million.

Despite his price tag, Bijol struggled to break into the team initially. He would find himself on the bench as Farke opted to persist with the defensive partnership that served him so well in the Championship, Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon.

Farke did eventually opt to adopt the back three. This is when Bijol cemented himself in the team and really began to shine.

But when Farke would change from a three at the back to a four when chasing games, Bijol was often the player who was subbed off, not Rodon.

So with Farke potentially beginning next season with a back four, Bijol needs to prove to Farke why he should be preferred ahead of Rodon in that right centre-back spot.

Dan James needs to prove he can contribute at Premier League level

Without a doubt, Noah Okafor and Harry Wilson will be our first-choice wingers next season unless something drastic happens.

But of course, behind that, you need depth.

In pre-season, Dan James needs to prove to Farke that he is capable of being an impact sub who can cover either flank in case of an injury to Okafor or Wilson.

James’ last season was stifled by injury, and on the rare occasions he did play, he didn’t leave our supporters clamouring to see him feature more often.

At 28, James doesn’t have long to shake off the criticism that he can’t do it in the Premier League. Perhaps next season is his last chance.

For that reason, you’d imagine James has a massive point to prove in pre-season. Especially if he wants to play more than the 566 total minutes he managed during the last Premier League campaign. (Sofascore)

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