Richard Keys loves ‘big’ decision Farke has made that could keep Leeds in Premier League
Leeds are set to embark on a new Premier League campaign following their promotion, and face a tough battle to stay up.
Daniel Farke’s side stormed to Championship glory, but they are well aware of the challenge that awaits them in the Premier League.
Several new players have arrived at Elland Road this summer, with Leeds signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin in time for the start of the season.
Leeds amassed 100 points in the Championship, but may have to change their style to survive in the Premier League, and their transfers may point towards a shift.
Richard Keys praises Farke for ‘big’ Leeds transfers
While Leeds have faced frustration in adding to their attacking ranks, they have strengthened their defence and midfield well.
Gabriel Gudmundsson, Anton Stach and Jaka Bijol are among the new arrivals this season, and all have arrived with a lot of height and brute strength.
Leeds’ new signings:
- Anton Stach – Hoffenheim
- Jaka Bijol – Udinese
- Lucas Perri – Lyon
- Sean Longstaff – Newcastle
- Gabriel Gudmundsson – Lille
- Sebastiaan Bornauw – Wolfsburg
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Free
- Lukas Nmecha – Free
Broadcaster Richard Keys has now commended Farke for this shift in style, and highlighted how the German may see the importance of set-pieces at both ends of the pitch.
“On the field, they might just be able to muster enough points at Elland Road to survive,” Keys wrote in his blog.
“It’s a hostile place to go and should give them a platform to work from.
“I like that Farke has been buying ‘big’. He’s got giants in his team now, realising set-pieces at both ends are so important.”
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Leeds’ defence will be crucial for Premier League survival
When Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2022-23, they conceded an astonishing 78 goals in 38 games.
This was higher than anyone else in the division, and ultimately proved to be the deciding factor in their relegation, as they finished five points off safety.
Leeds played a very attacking style last season, but it remains to be seen whether their attacking line can maintain a similar level of goalscoring as they make the step-up to the top flight.
With this in mind, the defence will have to be at their best to earn as many points as possible over the course of the campaign, and there may be less flashy football on display.
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