What Ilia Gruev display means for Leeds as Bulgaria media react to 'disgrace' vs Luxembourg
Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev started for Bulgaria against Luxembourg on Saturday.
Aleksandar Dimitrov's team hosted the Red Lions at home on 26 September and lost 2-1.
While the home side took the lead in the 18th minute, the Whites' midfielder saw his team concede goals in both halves.
Bulgaria started their Nations League campaign with a defeat, but Leeds can take positives from Gruev's return from injury.
With Stadion Hristo Botev witnessing their team lose to the country ranked 98th in the FIFA World Rankings, the local media has reacted strongly.
Despite Bulgaria losing, the West Yorkshire outfit will have plenty to be happy about with their midfielder.
Ilia Gruev game in numbers as Bulgaria lose to Luxembourg
Gruev has only recently returned from injury at Leeds and is yet to feature under Daniel Farke in the 2026-27 campaign.
The midfielder made his first competitive start for club and country since April against Luxembourg, recording 92 per cent passing accuracy and one key pass, as per Sofascore.
Bulgarian local outlet Marica described the 2-1 loss as a "shame and disgrace".
Gruev was heavily involved in the game, with 75 touches, and was comfortable in possession as he kept the home side ticking.
The 26-year-old did the most important thing in the middle of the park: progressing the ball forward, with a total progression of 101.2 meters.
Gruev also made five defensive contributions, won his only attempted tackle, two ground duels and one aerial duel, and made three interceptions and blocked one shot.
It's safe to say that the midfielder was one of the players who could leave the stadium with his head held high despite the defeat.
Why Ilia Gruev return will be threat to Elland Road underperformer
Anton Stach has underperformed for Leeds so far this season after playing a pivotal role during his debut campaign.
The Germany international has struggled to have the same impact he had in LS11 just a few months back.
Farke has stuck with the 27-year-old in midfield at the West Yorkshire outfit, but it remains to be seen how long.
With Gruev clearly returning to full fitness, the German manager may be inclined to give him opportunities in the coming weeks.
Unless Stach puts in some eye-catching displays at Elland Road soon, he may be under threat of losing his place in the team, although others will be ahead of Gruev in the pecking order.