Daniel Farke problem will not be solved as ‘incredible’ Jurgen Klopp favourite wanted at Leeds
Leeds have started the Premier League campaign in brilliant fashion.
Daniel Farke’s Leeds side have exceeded expectations so far, with two wins and two draws from their opening seven matches.
The Whites were expected to be favourites for relegation, but they look like they have a genuine chance of survival.
However, there is one clear issue that has not been resolved since Farke took over at Elland Road in 2023.
Leeds have a huge free-kick problem under Daniel Farke
Anton Stach’s stunning free-kick in Leeds’ 3-1 win over Wolves, was just the second one that they have scored in Farke’s spell in charge.
Since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, the Whites have been given 51 free-kicks and scored just twice, the other being an Ilia Gruev strike in the play-off semi-final against Norwich in 2024.
Leeds could return for Harry Wilson in the winter transfer window, and the former Jurgen Klopp favourite may be pegged as someone to solve those issues.
The ex-Liverpool boss waxed lyrical about the Fulham star’s ability from dead-ball situations in 2019, when the Welshman was on loan at Bournemouth.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of a meeting between the sides, he said: “Each free‑kick is a proper threat. But we were never in doubt about Harry’s shooting abilities; his skills in that part of the game are incredible – world‑class, for sure.”
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Farke could not rely on Wilson’s set-piece record
Farke and Co need every margin possible to start in the top-flight, and Wilson’s record from set-pieces would not be a valuable asset, despite Klopp’s comments.
The 64-time Wales international has notched no free-kick goals in the time that the German has been Leeds’ boss, with a total of nine taken for club and country, and just three even hitting the target.
The Peacocks need players that can give them an edge, with the relegation battle potentially going right down to the wire this season, with the likes of West Ham, Wolves and Burnley all fighting to stay up.
They could not rely on the former Reds ace to keep them in the division with his dead-ball ability, as it appears his days of scoring stunning free-kicks are well behind him.
He may well be able to contribute in other areas, but the thing that Klopp was pointed out as one of his biggest strengths, does not appear to be a factor anymore.
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