It has been a tough start to the 2024-25 campaign for Leeds United, but spare a thought for Daniel Farke who has been asked to win games without four key players from last season.
At least for two matches this season, Leeds have been without Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara and then on Saturday, Georginio Rutter was missing ahead of his £40m move to Brighton.
Farke gets his critics. His stubborn, slow-paced attacking tactics and his delay when making subs. Even if he chose to make five just after the hour mark during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup loss to Middlesbrough.
But Farke has had a vast chasm ripped from his 90-point Leeds side, and has been tasked with simply replacing it with the players he already has. Farke needs help and The 49ers simply have to provide it.
Farke wants four new signings in the next 12 days at Elland Road
Saturday’s 0-0 draw at West Brom was a solid result. A side that took four points off Leeds last term, but there were immediate signs of growth from the first two games – a clean sheet, something to build on.
But what was missing, was obvious. The magic often provided by Summerville and Rutter is gone and it must be replaced. Farke was quick to make that point after the draw at The Hawthorns, as per Leeds Live.
“Don’t need 43. Not a believer in a big group. Not good for unity. We need cover at full-back, in midfield and two offensive positions. Cannot guarantee we will, but four is roughly what I would like to see.”
Two offensive signings have suddenly become pivotal at Leeds
A full-back is needed given an injury-prone Sam Byram is covering both Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo. But, Leeds can adapt without a new signing, with Pascal Struijk and Max Wober able to play left-back.
It is a similar story in midfield. A new face would be great, but Leeds have Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Joe Rothwell, Charlie Crew and both Wober and Struijk can step up into the middle of the park if required.
What is crucial, is that Leeds replace Summerville and Rutter. Joel Piroe is not a no.10, as Saturday once again proved and Brenden Aaronson is not Summerville’s like for like on the left side of Leeds’ attack.
Summerville had a hand in 31 goals last season, Rutter laid on 24. Those numbers cannot be replaced by placing square pegs in round holes, it must be top-quality additions that fill the void as best as possible.
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