Ilia Gruev ready for Daniel Farke dressing-down after Leeds United draw vs Aston Villa
Ilia Gruev has harmed his reputation in a matter of weeks after Leeds United drew 1-1 against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.
Daniel Farke will surely be fuming as the Whites dropped two points at Villa Park on 21 February after Tammy Abraham’s late equaliser.
Anton Stach’s incredible free-kick gave the West Yorkshire outfit the lead in the first half, but Unai Emery’s team broke the travelling supporters’ hearts after scoring in the 88th minute.
It was arguably a fair result in the end, but the German manager will feel some of his players could’ve done better over the 90 minutes.
Ilia Gruev has major dip in Aston Villa vs Leeds United
It was only a few weeks ago when Gruev put in one of his best performances for Leeds in the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
The Bulgaria international then started and shone as the Whites made a comeback at Stamford Bridge in the 2-2 draw.
At St Andrew’s, the 25-year-old was an unused substitute in the penalty shoot-out win over Birmingham City, but came back into the fold at Villa Park.
Gruev deserved to be in the starting lineup against Villa, but he may have hurt his chances going forward after an underwhelming defensive display, winning just three of his 10 ground duels and losing his two aerial duels.
The midfielder won just one of his three attempted tackles in B6, committed three fouls, was dribbled past twice and lost possession seven times.
There were moments in the game where Farke was frustrated with the Bulgarian star, especially his decisions in the final third, and he would surely have been in for a dressing-down from the German manager after the result, with his Sofascore graphic above not a pretty viewing.
Daniel Farke may be forced into change after squad decision at Villa Park
Facundo Buonanotte dropped out of the squad against Villa, and fans will undoubtedly be wondering what the point of signing him on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the winter transfer window was.
While Leeds aren’t obligated to buy the Argentina international at the end of the season, Farke will hope he can contribute to their Premier League survival prospects.
After Gruev and Brenden Aaronson’s poor display at Villa Park, the German manager may opt to give Buonanotte another opportunity to prove himself.
Manchester City travel to Elland Road next in the league on 28 February, and the 21-year-old could potentially be back in Farke’s plans for the game.
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