Daniel Farke to get it all wrong with extremely harsh call to axe Ilia Gruev at Leeds United
Daniel Farke must ignore the advice of former Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn and keep faith with Ilia Gruev at the heart of his midfield.
The signing of Ao Tanaka and his subsequently impressive performance on his debut have led to immediate calls for the ex-Fortuna Dusseldorf man to replace Gruev in the starting XI.
Gruev, however, has been a constant in Farke’s side since the start of 2024 and has more than proven at Elland Road that he should still be one of the first names on the team sheet going forward.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after the Whites’ 2-0 win over Hull City (31 August), Redfearn said: “I don’t think we’ll see much of Gruev from now on in – I think we’ll see more of a Tanaka.”
Ilia Gruev has done more than enough to keep Leeds United place
It’s no coincidence that the Peacocks’ best run of form last season came in tandem with Gruev establishing a full-time place in Farke’s midfield, with the Bulgarian excelling alongside Glen Kamara.
Kamara may have since left the club for Stade Rennais and captain Ethan Ampadu has returned to playing in midfield rather than defence, but Gruev has kept his place for the time being.
Tanaka’s signing for £3.3million, as well as Joe Rothwell’s loan move from Bournemouth, have given Gruev fresh competition alongside Ampadu, but the 24-year-old’s place should remain his to lose.
With Ampadu expected to sit at the base of midfield and dictate play throughout the new season, Gruev has been pushed forward, already evidently taking more shots.
By adding an attacking string to his bow, Gruev should be given the benefit of the doubt for the foreseeable future at Elland Road, with Farke inclined to keep faith in the side which has won back-to-back games with three consecutive clean sheets.
Now isn’t the time for the German to get it all wrong.
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