Simon Grayson tells Daniel Farke what he needs to do at Leeds v Sheffield United
Simon Grayson has told Daniel Farke the changes Leeds United must make against Sheffield United after the late 2-1 win against Sunderland.
Despite going behind through Wilson Isidor, Pascal Struijk was the hero with two late headers to help the Whites regain their place at the top of the Championship table.
Sitting two points ahead of the Blades, it sets up a mouth-watering showdown at Bramall Lane next on Monday 24 February.
Simon Grayson full of praise for Joe Rothwell
On a big night at Elland Road, the Whites certainly didn’t find themselves in the position they wanted to be in towards the end of the game.
However, Struijk proved to be a super substitution after entering the field of play in the 71st minute and scoring the two goals that made the difference.
While it was Struijk who stole the show on the night though, Grayson admitted his standout performer was another substitution in Joe Rothwell, who provided the assist for both goals.
With the Whites now preparing for another big game at Sheffield United, Grayson has offered the current Leeds boss some advice.
Speaking via Leeds United News (18 February), Grayson said: “[Rothwell has] now laid a marker down to Daniel, saying, ‘I’m ready for next Monday.’
“I would [start him] but I think Daniel will stick with Gruev away from home.”
Joe Rothwell showing his quality for Leeds United
Rothwell has been a key part of Leeds’ season this term, making 30 Championship appearances.
In those, he has made 10 appearances from the bench and in recent weeks, has not been a starter in Farke’s side with Ilia Gruev preferred instead.
Both Rothwell and Struijk have certainly made their claims for places in the starting line-up against Sheffield United given they turned the game completely around to secure victory against Sunderland.
However, Monday’s game against the Blades is a massive test and it could all-but secure Leeds promotion mentally going into the final couple of months.
Whether from the start or the bench, Rothwell will no doubt be relishing the opportunity to play against the Yorkshire rivals and make another impact for his side.
It has been shared that Bournemouth may be willing to let the midfielder go in the summer transfer window and are open to accepting a fee less than £7.5million meaning he could well be looking to show off his abilities in the top-flight with Leeds too.