Ilia Gruev team news verdict for Leeds United clash v Norwich shared by local journalist
Ilia Gruev is “unlikely” to face Norwich City on Saturday after not being in contention for Daniel Farke’s Leeds side this season, according to William Jackson.
The Leeds Live journalist claimed (19 October) that the £5million summer signing would likely face the bench again at Carrow Road unless an injury occurs.
Farke has decided to leave the Bulgarian international out of all available starting lineups, managing just three minutes from the bench this season.
Moment needed
£5million is not an insignificant amount of money for a Championship club, so Gruev’s incredibly slow integration into the first-team has left many Leeds fans confused.
Gruev remains a full Bulgarian international despite his lack of game time at Elland Road this season. He started both of Bulgaria’s international break clashes, despite facing defeats in both.
Regardless, Gruev clearly has the talent to perform at a high level but still struggles to get into Farke’s side. In his defence, the midfield has performed very well this season and none of Archie Gray, Ethan Ampadu or even Glen Kamara deserve to be dropped.
However, Gruev needs his chance to shine for a significant period of a game. In big wins against Watford or the dominant QPR fixture, Farke could have afforded his new signing some more minutes for the chance to impress.
The Championship season is long and injuries, suspensions and perhaps other player sales could see Gruev’s path to more regular action form, but he will be frustrated by how life after Werder Bremen so far.
Jackson seems confident that Gruev won’t make the starting lineup against Norwich, which feels like a fairly safe prediction. But Farke’s decision to limit his game time could cost Gruev in the long term.
In other Leeds United news, David Prutton was wowed by an Elland Road star in his Sky Sports team of the season but has called for even more.