'A poor man's Newcastle' - Kevin Keegan hits out at Leeds United

The 69-year-old was in charge of the Magpies when they came close to lifting the Premier League in 1995/96, employing a tactical approach that was largely based around trying to outscore the opposition.

Keegan’s men were eventually beaten to the title by Manchester United that season, and the former England boss sees parallels between his team and the Whites’ current attacking setup – although he does not believe that Bielsa’s current crop could lay a glove on his team of the mid ‘90s.

Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “If you look at it now, Leeds are a poor man’s Newcastle.

“They play like we did, but they’re not as good as we were.

“Leeds are halfway down the table and their coach is one of the best in the world!

"If I was in charge of Leeds, I would get battered because they’d say defensively I haven't got a clue!

"They concede too many goals!”

Despite being 10th in the table and 17 points clear of the relegation zone, Leeds have the dubious honour of having the third-worst defensive record in the Premier League.

Only West Brom and Crystal Palace have conceded more goals in the top flight this season.

Bielsa’s men have made up for their defensive frailties in front of goal, however, and their tally of 38 strikes is the fifth-highest in the division.