Ilia Gruev cameo v Ipswich Town proves Daniel Farke can rest Leeds United midfield ace
Ilia Gruev has been limited to just 110 minutes in the Championship this season since signing for Leeds United from Werder Bremen in the summer.
Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara have been Daniel Farke’s favoured midfield partnership, with the former yet to miss a single minute for the Whites this season.
It was expected that when Farke made changes against Ipswich Town on Saturday Ilia Gruev would replace the Welshman, with Leeds winning 4-0. However, it was Kamara who made way for the Bulgarian.
The 23-year-old impressed in the limited 17 minutes he was given on the pitch at Elland Road, maintaining a 100 per cent pass accuracy, making 16 touches and winning 100 per cent of his ground duels. [FotMob]
Although he only has nine Championship appearances to his name, Gruev has an abundance of experience in the Bundesliga and with his national team at senior level. The midfielder made 62 appearances for Werder Bremen between 2019 and 2023 before making the switch to England.
Though it may not be enough to judge him as a Championship footballer yet, it seems that Gruev is ready to take Ampadu’s place in the starting XI when Farke finally gives him a well-earned rest.
If the Leeds manager is not careful, Ampadu could be overworked and sustain an injury that makes an even bigger impact on the Whites’ season than missing a couple of games in need of a rest during a hectic schedule.
Ampadu has also been key to Wales’ endeavours, attempting to reach EURO 2024. But he will likely play both games next year as the Red Wall look to qualify through the playoffs.
Now seems like as good a time as any for Farke to throw Gruev into the deep end, with Preston North End upcoming. West Brom are also out of form but the midfield of Alex Mowatt and Okay Yokuslu would be a real test for the youngster.
It is not a case of Farke not believing in the player, though. He was prepared to play Gruev back in September, stating that he has been massively impressed by the Bulgarian since he arrived at Elland Road.
“In terms of language, he’s quite fluent in English, it’s quite impressive, but to understand each and every football phrase and the technical terms, it always takes a while,” he said. [Leeds Live]
“He’s a top player, I am pretty pleased with him. “He had many games at Bundesliga level, he is a regular starter for the Bulgaria national team. He’s a top player.
“It’s not like an urgent case, an emergency case, where we are urged to throw him too early into the mix. So I much prefer this situation that step by step he can be integrated but I know already right now whenever I need him and he’s always ready to go and he’s a top class guy, humble guy.”
In other Leeds United news, Borussia Dortmund are reportedly very interested in Elland Road gem Archie Gray ahead of the transfer window