Three Key Men Leeds United Must Thwart to Beat West Ham United
With the clash between Leeds United and West Ham United looming, Leeds manager will surely be planning not only how to impose his own style, but also how to shut down West Ham’s dangerous individuals. Here are three players Leeds must keep in check if they are to pull off a positive result.
1. Jarrod Bowen
Bowen is the primary threat for West Ham – their go-to attacker, the one who often gets the goals and the decisive contributions. He has amassed an impressive goals and assists tally for the club. (premierleague.com)
Why he matters:
- His movement and finishing make him dangerous off the shoulder of the defence and in transition.
- He combines goal threat with work rate and is a constant outlet for West Ham to exploit.
- If Leeds allow Bowen space, they risk conceding decisively.
What Leeds should do: - Assign a disciplined full-back or wing-back to limit Bowen’s space, especially when he drifts in from the flank.
- Force him to track back and defend, reducing his attacking output.
- Prevent quick transitions where he can exploit the defensive line before it is set.
2. Lucas Paquetá
Paquetá brings the creative spark and attacking midfield penetration that can unlock defences. (whufc.com)
Why he matters:
- He links midfield and attack, and can pick out key passes or make runs beyond the front line.
- His ability to drift and influence in the final third means that if unmarked he can create chances that lead to goals.
- West Ham will look to him to impose structure in attack, particularly when Leeds press or attempt to dominate midfield.
What Leeds should do: - Close down the space he operates in – don’t allow him time on the ball between the lines.
- Use a dedicated defensive mid or a disciplined midfielder to monitor his movement.
- Force West Ham to go wide or slower rather than allowing Paquetá to turn, face goal and pick a pass.
3. Tomáš Souček
Often underrated, Souček is a midfielder who blends defensive solidity with attacking threat – particularly in set-pieces and second phase situations. (whufc.com)
Why he matters:
- His height and aerial ability make him dangerous at corners and free-kicks.
- He often arrives late in the box or moves into advanced positions to join attacks.
- Defensively he reads the game well, breaks up play and provides balance – making him hard to bypass.
What Leeds should do: - Be alert to set-piece routines: mark him tightly and ensure clear zonal/individual responsibilities.
- In open play, exploit the fact that when Souček advances forward, gaps may open in midfield or defence if West Ham commit numbers.
- Try to isolate his zone and make him defend rather than attack.
In summary
For Leeds to beat West Ham, the focus must be both on their own attacking intent and, crucially, on neutralising the right individuals. If Bowen is allowed to run, Paquetá given time between the lines, and Souček unmarked at set-pieces, West Ham will likely dominate key moments. Leeds must organise, communicate, and execute a plan that contains these threats. If they do, they’ll give themselves a fighting chance of taking home the three points.
