Both Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have been exceptional following injuries to midfield duo Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. The new midfield duo has shined in almost every match for Leeds United.
However, injuries to Gruev and Ampadu have come at a greater cost with no senior midfield backup at Elland Road. Farke has solved the problem though by signing French international Josuha Guilavogui and the latter will be instrumental in The Whites’ race to promotion this season.
Defender Maximilian Wöber is also injured and Farke has signed Guilavogui with that in mind. Thanks to his versatility, the French midfielder can play both in midfield and defence.
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ight have lost his place at Leeds United
Ethan Ampadu will be an undoubtful starter after his return in January (Credits: Imago Images)
Gruev’s injury came as a shock for The 49ers but no one could have guessed a happy ending to the problem. Although Ao Tanaka has filled the role, it is still too early to judge the Japanese international’s potential.
But if things turn out well with Tanaka, Ilia Gruev might lose his spot under Daniel Farke, according to journalist Kris Smith. Ethan Ampadu will be an undisputed starter after the return but doubts over Gruev remain.
Ao Tanaka has already become a fan favourite and has also won two Man of the Match awards. The Japanese midfielder has managed to bag both the Sky Sports and Fan’s Man of the Match award in just two games.
Leeds United will not have another defensive midfield option until January. Ampadu is expected to return after the new year and Josuha Guilavogui remains the only backup for both the spots.
Any further injuries might cause more problems for The 49ers as Farke isn’t already a fan of mid-season transfers. How things will work out for Gruev is to be seen but if the Bulgarian eventually loses his place, a move might be on the cards for the 24-year-old.
Gruev was linked with various clubs last summer
Ao Tanaka is doing well in Gruev’s stead (Credits: Imago Images)
According to TeamTalk, Ilia Gruev was ready for a move away from England last summer but ended up staying at Elland Road. There was interest from German giants Borussia Dortmund and The 49ers had set a price tag of £15 million.
No move materialised as Daniel Farke was keen on keeping the midfielder following high-profile departures. Gruev ended up taking the starting spot at Leeds United after Archie Gray and Glenn Kamara’s departure.
Following his knee injury there will be doubts over his status at Elland Road after a return in March. If the midfielder’s situation goes south then Dortmund might be the first club to come calling for the Bulgarian.
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