Daniel Farke uses one word to sum up Leeds United pair in win v Sheffield United
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke admits midfield duo Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell were “crucial” to their 2-0 win over Sheffield United at Elland Road.
The Whites managed to bag themselves a home win against their Yorkshire rivals on Friday (18 October) and found themselves pushed up to third in the Championship table.
Speaking after the game, as shared by LeedsLive (21 October), Farke shared his verdict on his new-look engine room.
“It’s crucial, it’s the heart of the game,” he said. “They are more or less our motor, and they initialize our attacks and the first passes. They also send the message in which way we want to attack the game.
“They need to be smart in their solution, but it was even more important because Sheffield United are always so structured. They lurk to win the ball in the centre of the field than they’re normally unbelievable in the counter attack.
“So their decisions which pass they play was today crucial and I think Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka had many, many good decisions.
“They can’t be perfect, can’t be 100 per cent because it’s the nature of football, but overall, the general feeling for which pass is necessary right now was really, really good – and it was crucial.”
Leeds United don’t need to sign anyone in January transfer window
Since the summer transfer window closed, fans have been worried about the lack of depth that the Whites have in the centre of the park.
These fears were only heightened after both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev suffered injuries which are set to keep them both out for extended periods.
However, since Tanaka and Rothwell have been used in the first team, the duo have formed a solid partnership.
The latter of the two was in particularly good form against the Blades, with the midfielder managing to chip in with an assist for the first goal.
While the duo may not have as strong defensive capabilities as the Welshman or the Bulgaria international, their attacking prowess more than makes up for what they lack defensively.
Nothing has yet come to fruition, but since the extent of the injuries suffered by Ampadu and Gruev were brought to light, Farke’s men have been linked with multiple moves for free agents [Fabrizio Romano, 18 October].
There’s still time for things to go south, of course, but at the moment it doesn’t feel like there’s much need for Leeds to bring in another midfielder.
In other Leeds news, Junior Firpo has hailed Mateo Joseph after the Whites’ 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.