Don Goodman shares what could give Leeds United edge in Premier League promotion race
Don Goodman believes the strength in depth available to Daniel Farke could give Leeds United the edge in the automatic promotion race.
Leeds are third in the Championship after winning five successive games to begin 2024, conceding just once during that run.
The Whites are one point above fourth-placed Ipswich Town, who have dropped off, while in-form Southampton are a point in front in second.
Both of those teams have a game in hand, but Goodman has been impressed by what he has seen from United of late.
Discussing Farke’s squad depth exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Goodman said: “It’s not like when I played.
“Back then, if you played well in the shirt you kept the shirt. Now it’s not really a case of 13 or 14 players getting you promoted.
“It’s now up to 21, 22 players. You need a full squad, there’s no doubt about it. I understand Daniel Farke’s reluctance to change thing.
“At the moment, he’s chasing things. Had he been in Leicester City’s position, you would have seen more rotation.
“The front four was picking itself before Patrick Bamford got fit and put pressure on Joel Piroe.
“Bamford’s done well since coming back in, a real handful, so it’s unlikely Farke will change that.
“But you look at other areas, where would Leeds change? You wouldn’t want to tinker with the holding midfielders or front four.
“The defence is also solid. Junior Firpo is starting to find his feet; Archie Gray has come in at right-back and is doing well.
“They are a very strong side on paper, Leeds United. It’s about keeping that momentum going now and keeping the pressure on.”
Leeds United squad depth
Farke has showed he is not afraid to make big changes in terms of his squad selection, but alterations between games tend to be minimal.
Shifting Gray to right-back has worked wonders, while Ethan Ampadu’s versatility has played a major part in this recent run of form.
Factor in the likes of Firpo and Bamford stepping up, as well as Ilia Gruev, and there is no reason why Leeds cannot continue getting better.
In many ways, it could be argued that Leeds’ current group is better than the one that got relegated from the Premier League last season.
As we saw in the 1-0 win over Bristol City, those who are brought into the side – Wilfried Gnonto on this occasion – tend to do a job.
All you can ask from the fringe players is that they put in a performance when called upon, which is often the case at the moment.
And once this winning run does come to an end, Farke then knows he is plenty of options to change things up should he wish.
In other Leeds United news, Troy Deeney has slammed an “awful” incident he saw in Leeds’ win over Bristol City.
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