Leeds United: Daniel Farke may be forced into Djed Spence tactical surprise v Millwall after latest Elland Road injury blow
Leeds United were dealt yet another defensive injury blow with Sam Byram set to be out of action but it may prove a tactical blessing in disguise for Daniel Farke.
The Athletic reporter shared via his personal Twitter account on 29 August that the former Norwich City defender is set to be out for the next three weeks.
Byram was withdrawn in the 24th minute of Leeds’ 4-3 win against Ipswich Town at Portman Road with an adductor strain and will miss the next two to three weeks, especially the game against Millwall on 16 September.
The 29-year-old joined the ranks at Elland Road this summer as a free agent on a one-year deal, with the intent of providing cover across both full-back positions, however, his injury leaves the Whites short of options.
Byram missed the 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday with Farke forced to play midfielder, Jamie Shackleton, at left-back, a tactical surprise which proved rather unfruitful in the end as Leeds United struggled to trouble a struggling Wednesday side.
The former Norwich man has been impressive since he arrived at Elland Road on a short-term deal and has provided a new and consistent option in defence and there is no doubt his versatility will be missed while he is sidelined.
However, the Whites already have a very suitable replacement in the meantime and a player Farke must consider to start against Millwall and that man is Djed Spence.
The full-back joined the Whites on a season-long loan in a last-gasp transfer in the closing days of the transfer window on 30 August, the club’s sixth summer signing, as per the official Leeds website.
Spence is definitely a top talent, and can undoubtedly help Leeds in their drive to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking after he achieved the same feat with Nottingham Forest in the season before last.
And while Spence is considered a specialist right-back, he can also be a very dependable left-back for Leeds United and the youngster certainly holds all the attributes and qualities necessary to thrive in the role and help the Whites to a much-needed victory in South London.
Many of the elite sides on the continent are all deploying right-footed full-backs on the left flank so they can invert in possession while providing numerical advantage and Spence is a fantastic bet for the role.
That 2021/22 campaign looked to be Spence’s breakout year at Nottingham Forest as he registered two goals and four assists from 42 Championship appearances while registering six big chances created, 1.0 key passes per game, helping Forest to 15 clean sheets and excelling tremendously in his defensive actions [SofaScore] marking him out as one of the most complete full-backs in the country.
The English-born defender has been searching for a new lease of life elsewhere and has certainly found it at Elland Road where he’ll fit right in under a progressive coach in Daniel Farke.
Spence looked bright when he came off the bench to make his debut in the draw against Sheffield Wednesday winning two fouls in the nine minutes he was on the pitch, saving two certain goals with impressive tackles, completing 100% of his nine attempted passes and managed four ball recoveries as Farke’s side drew a blank against the Owls (Fotmob).
He will back himself to earn a place in the side which may come at The Den against Millwall in an unfamiliar role but a move which could prove a surprise tactical success by Farke.
In other Leeds United news, one Elland Road academy product reacts as Leeds transfer announcement drops.