Daniel Farke faces significant selection challenges in the coming weeks as Leeds United approaches full fitness. During their dominant 3-0 win over Luton Town, Farke had a strong bench to draw from, including Max Wober, Dan James, Mateo Joseph, and Josuha Guilavogui. The depth in the squad is evident, but managing the expectations of players who hope to start regularly will be crucial, especially over the busy festive period.
Leeds has dealt with its fair share of injury setbacks this season, but the squad is now largely recovered, with only Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev still sidelined. This improved fitness gives Farke the enviable but challenging task of balancing his squad to keep all players fit, sharp, and satisfied with their roles.
A particular area of focus is in the attacking department, with Neil Redfearn suggesting that Leeds has four wingers who could compete at a Premier League level. The competition among these players intensifies Farke’s decision-making process. One notable example of this came in the Luton game, where Farke made a surprising decision to drop Dan James from the starting lineup, despite his exceptional performance in the previous match against Swansea City, where James provided three assists.
Farke’s decision to use James as an impact substitute paid off, as the winger came on fresh in the final 20 minutes to exploit a tired defense, helping Leeds secure the win. In his post-match comments, Farke explained the rationale behind the decision, citing the need to carefully manage James due to his high-intensity style and the risk of reinjury. Farke emphasized that the team cannot afford to lose James and highlighted the importance of rotating players, particularly during a schedule with three games in six days.
Farke elaborated that James was the only winger to play over 90 minutes in the previous game and that Luton’s deep defensive setup wasn’t ideally suited to James’ style, which thrives in open spaces. By bringing James on late in the game, Farke ensured he could make a decisive impact while reducing the physical strain on him.
Leeds’ wingers have been in excellent form this season, which has made Farke’s job of managing them both challenging and rewarding. The squad’s depth and contributions from players like James, Wilfried Gnonto, Largie Ramazani, and Manor Solomon are testament to Farke’s effective rotation strategy. This season, James has started seven games, scoring three goals and providing three assists. Gnonto has been involved in 17 matches, contributing three goals and five assists, while Ramazani and Solomon have also delivered key moments in their limited appearances.
With all four players making meaningful contributions and seemingly content with their roles, Farke’s careful management continues to yield positive results for Leeds as they push toward their goals this season.