Journalist highlights Leeds United ‘dilemma’ Daniel Farke faces ahead of Millwall clash
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will have a “dilemma” on his hands when it comes to picking his right-back for the club’s clash with Millwall after the international break, according to William Jackson.
The journalist, writing online for Leeds Live (4 September), believes that it will be a tough choice for Farke to decide whether to start Djed Spence or Luke Ayling against the Lions.
Ayling started the goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road on Saturday (2 September), before making way for Spence, who was making his debut for the club, in the 81st minute. Both players bring different qualities, leading Jackson to believe that it will be a tricky decision to reach for the German.
“Djed Spence made his Leeds United debut on Saturday after completing his loan move from Tottenham and it seems Daniel Farke has a selection dilemma ahead of next week’s clash with Millwall,” Jackson wrote.
He added: “He’s (Ayling) the most experienced member of Farke’s starting XI by some distance and that level-headedness and nous has been pivotal at times.
“Spence, on the other hand, showed exactly what he can bring during his nine minutes on the field against the Owls. Within a minute or so of entering the field, the Tottenham Hotspur loanee displayed the pace required to get back and save Leeds by making a last-ditch tackle to deny Josh Windass a goalscoring opportunity.”
Experience or youth
Ayling and Spence are two very different types of players, and while plenty of competition in the squad is usually a good thing, as it helps to bring the levels of the players up while also offering depth to cover for injuries, it can cause some sleepless nights for managers. Farke will certainly be having a few of those himself.
The Whites have not made the best of starts to their campaign and the international break will offer them a chance to reset and some much-needed time for the boss to think. He will be keen to get his side back on track and cannot afford to make any more mistakes.
While Ayling’s experience is useful and has been beneficial in assisting the development of Archie Gray, it might be time to sacrifice that experience for the speed and attacking ability of Spence. Ayling has been required to push forward this season, which has left space in behind for opponents to exploit as the 32-year-old struggles to get back.
Therefore, if Farke is going to insist on continuing to play this way, the Tottenham loanee might be the better-suited option.
In other Leeds United news, an opposition player has made an “anxious” admission about Elland Road.