Daniel Farke has questions to answer after what Ilia Gruev did for Leeds vs Man City
Ilia Gruev has become one of the first names on the teamsheet for Leeds this year.
Leeds suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Man City on Saturday, albeit in rather controversial circumstances given the number of key decisions that went against them.
Given the current state of officiating in the Premier League, that will undoubtedly be the main focus point before the Whites return to Elland Road to face Sunderland on Tuesday, though it certainly isn’t the only one.
The other concern is in regard to Daniel Farke’s decision-making with Gruev over the last few weeks, and his display against Pep Guardiola’s side will only amplify those worries.
What does Daniel Farke see in Ilia Gruev?
First and foremost, Gruev has had his good games for Leeds this season, but have they been common enough to warrant a consistent starting place? Arguably not.
And that was again the case against Man City.
Gruev won just one of his seven defensive duels in midfield, while also having somehow escaped a yellow card after giving away three fouls.
Despite playing 75 minutes, his impact on the ball was minimal, with just 13 passes completed and zero chances created.
That is not his game, but with such a lack of defensive protection, it certainly begs the question as to what his game really is, and those questions remain unanswered when looking at his stats from the defeat in the below Sofascore graphic.
Farke has two incredibly talented midfielders on the bench in Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka, and for neither of them to have even got on the pitch on Saturday is quite baffling.
Farke has key decision to make vs Sunderland
Gruev is not in good form, and to start him against Sunderland would be a mistake, even when taking into account their poor record away from home.
Longstaff, given his Newcastle allegiances, is the most sensible shout, and that is backed up by his stats prior to his injury.
Despite having started just 10 games this season, Longstaff has created 22 chances, with six of those being deemed as big chances.
The Englishman has the ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, and with the Black Cats expected to have a full-strength midfield for the game, that energy will be needed.
A win for Leeds midweek would do wonders for their chances of survival, and the inclusion of Gruev would dampen those chances.
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