Crucial… Two players that Daniel Farke believes have recently been crucial to Leeds United

Crucial… Two players that Daniel Farke believes have recently been crucial to Leeds United

 

Leeds United is riding high after an eight-game winning streak going into Friday night’s pivotal matchup with Leicester City.

 

After a challenging first half of the season, the Whites enjoy a perfect record since the start of the new year. 2024 has undoubtedly been the year for some of the fringe players to step up to the plate.

 

Among those who have left their impact on the team is Ilia Gruev, who has started the last ten games across all competitions in lieu of the injured Pascal Struijk after Ethan Ampadu moved to center back.

 

Prior to suffering an injury on Boxing Day in the loss to Preston North End, Struijk was an essential member of Daniel Farke’s team, and his absence has been more prolonged than anticipated.

 

During the pre-game press conference, Farke expressed his belief that Ampadu and Gruev have both played at a high level to cover for the “outstanding” wounded Struijk.

Farke commends Ampadu and Gruev.

“They were crucial in their positions during this spell, but it doesn’t take anything away,” he said. “Ethan was also fantastic in the holding midfielder role.” When he was healthy, Pascal was exceptional, and Ethan played higher on the field. Nothing should be inferred from Ilia or Ethan’s performances.

 

“I believe that generally, our work on the training pitch has been a major contributor to this consistency. In football, minute subtleties and a little percentage can have a significant impact. The longer we work against the ball, the more we must remain completely tight and properly defend set pieces.

 

“It is easier to get better the more time we spend together. In possession and with the ball, it’s the same. It is advantageous to maintain consistency and avoid making too many adjustments.

 

 

Gruev’s skill was a secret to everyone during his first four months as a Leeds player, but that is no longer the case. He started just two games.

 

Even if he has been excellent individually, the 23-year-old has been outstanding since moving into midfield and has surely made it easier for Ampadu to return to the defense. Leeds has only given up one goal in their last eight games.

 

Farke received good news on Struijk’s injury earlier today, and he will undoubtedly have to make a significant choice regarding the starting lineup when he returns.