It’s now looking very likely that Thomas Christensen will keep the 4–2–3–1 formation that served the club so well last season. For me, the most important component of the 4–2–3–1 is the player playing just behind the striker, the position commonly known as the ‘number 10’ role.

The number 10 is the central link that runs the game: he has to be adaptable to take the ball from the central midfielders and play in the striker or attacking wingers. He needs to have the ability to get forward and have an eye for a goal from numerous places in and around the box. He needs to have a tremendous skill set.

Luckily, this season, we have depth in that area and will be able to change personnel at more regular intervals if and when required. That is something we didn’t have during last season.

But who will get the nod from Thomas Christiansen?

Pablo Hernandez

Pablo played the number 10 role for the majority of last season, and for the most part he played well — Hernandez is Leeds’ most creative and effective player. He adds that little extra class that can mean so much to a Championship team. Christiansen has a philosophy of attractive, possession-based football, and Hernandez fits that style perfectly.

The issue with Hernandez is that he likely doesn't have the stamina for a 46-game season, and so Hernandez’s inclusion needs to be managed more effectively.

Last season, especially away from Elland Road, Hernandez struggled to adapt. I think we need a player who has the natural talent to play the role but also has the ability to adapt when put in a difficult position.

I believe Hernandez may step aside somewhat this season, but ironically, that will likely make him more effective overall.

Kemar Roofe

I saw something last season in Roofe which made me think “we have a decent player here.” It took him a while to adapt to the Championship, but as the campaign progressed, he started to find his feet.

He offers a different dimension to Pablo Hernandez: he’s a player who can drive the ball forward and is willing to get beyond Wood and create chances for himself.

I like a player to take a risk and enforce themselves onto the opposition. Roofe’s game offers an attacking threat that Hernandez does not.

The problem for Roofe is that the club has gone and bought similar players who look, at least on paper, like they have Roofe’s attributes along with Hernandez’s ability. The lack of creative discipline in his game will make it hard for him to gain a permanent role behind the forward.

Samuel Saiz

Saiz is the first of the new players who is in contention for the attacking central role — he is more of a right-sided player, but it looks on paper that he may have the ability to play anywhere across the attacking midfield.

I do not know much about the young Spaniard, but he seems to possess the same Spanish flair that made Hernandez a threat last season… but he also has age on his side. At 26, Saiz will be getting to the prime of his career and a flair player at the height of his career can easily adapt to wherever the teams need them to play.

He has 15 goals over the last 2 seasons at Huesca, 12 of which came last season. The only concern is that Saiz did have a good season in the Spanish 2nd division, but has not had that 2nd season to really prove himself, and he could come unstuck in a demanding league like the Championship.

Ezgjan Alioski

Alioski is the player I actually expect to start in the position. Interest in the Macedonian was very high, and he is looking like he may be our signing of the season. He is naturally left-footed and is normally situated on the right of midfield. However, looking at the stats, I believe he should play in the central role.

His performance last season for FC Lugano suggests he possesses all the quality to be able to dominate teams and dictate play. He scored 17 goals and recorded 14 assists in only 36 games.

The previous season he also recorded 3 goals in 10 games and has the bite that players need in order to cope in the Championship. His discipline record saw him pick up 11 yellow cards last season… and we all love players who like to get stuck in.