Ilia Gruev is now irreplaceable for Leeds United after ‘Perfect’ developments
Leeds United star Ilia Gruev helped Bulgaria to their first competitive win in two years with a 1-0 triumph over Northern Ireland on 8 September.
The midfielder played the full 90 minutes of the clash and was among the best performers again.
Alongside his strong form for his country, Gruev has been a first-team regular for Daniel Farke since the middle of last season at Elland Road.
Both Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have been added to Leeds’ ranks over the summer transfer window but haven’t yet started a Championship game for the club.
Although the duo were brought in as replacements for both Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, it feels as if the Bulgaria international has his starting XI spot locked down.
Bulgarian media outlet Moyo News reacted to Gruev’s performance against Northern Ireland and shared that his leading of fellow countryman Alex Kolev was delivered in a “perfect” way.
Ilia Gruev irreplaceable at Leeds United?
Of all the areas in Leeds’ team that have been changed, their midfield is one of the most new-look areas of the squad.
Farke wanted his midfield to offer a bit more than just defensive stability this term as the German chose to bring in two new options that can help contribute to goals.
Gruev is one of last season’s midfielders who stuck around and, despite the new arrivals, he could still have quite a solid impact on the team this term.
Should the Whites come up against an opponent who scores a lot of goals, Gruev would likely be kept in to try and offer more stability at the back.
It’s still early days in the season just yet so his importance to Leeds’ squad remains to be seen.
It has already been suggested by Neil Redfearn that Gruev could be the one to drop out of the side for Tanaka to play more frequently.
However, following his performance against Northern Ireland and his solid start to the Championship season, Farke may have to think twice about potentially replacing the Bulgarian in the future.
In other Leeds news, an injury update has been shared for Patrick Bamford.
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