Leeds United will restart their Premier League campaign in just over a week's time as they host Manchester City at Elland Road.

They will be hoping to maintain the free-scoring form which saw them score nine goals in their last three top-flight matches, with their win at Anfield at the end of October the standout moment of their season so far.

However, in the long term, Jesse Marsch will want to get to the bottom of his defensive frailties which could cost the Whites their position in the Premier League. They have already conceded 26 goals in just 14 league matches, making every game a significant slog just to snatch three points.

Whilst one might suggest looking to the back four to rectify this issue, it seems that the American has highlighted that the problem may lie in midfield.

Therefore, he is reportedly seeking out Moroccan star Azzedine Ounahi to be their saviour, adding an extra body in the Elland Road engine room who has proven his defensive qualities on the world stage.

Victor Orta even admitted to Marca (via Yorkshire Evening Post) about their interest in the Angers youngster.

The 22-year-old was integral in his country’s remarkable run to the World Cup semi-finals, making history as the first African team ever to reach that stage of the competition.

Such is his talent, he has even been likened to Frenkie de Jong in the way that he offers so much defensively, although his primary concern is to receive the ball from the centre-backs and help ease the transition into attack. FBRef even lists the Dutchman on Ounahi's ‘similar players’ metric.

Adding someone of his quality and playing style to Marsch's side could be the key to not only unlocking some of Leeds' offensive players but also adding an extra layer of solidity that they are lacking.

The youngster ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed among midfielders in Europe's top five leagues in 2022 - an improvement on De Jong, who only ranks in the top 13%.

Ounahi also posted impressive defensive numbers at the World Cup. Averaging a 6.97 rating across the tournament, he recorded one interception and 1.3 tackles per game alongside 0.9 key passes per match (via Sofascore).

Playing beside Sofyan Amrabat, he became an integral workhorse to partner his defensive qualities, with Jose Mourinho leading the praise for the 22-year-old by dubbing him “absolutely incredible”.

Tyler Adams and Marc Roca could provide this quality for the Whites, whilst Ounahi could be the final piece to completing the midfield trio as Leeds' very own version of De Jong.