Daniel Farke to take Joe Rothwell gamble after what’s happened at Leeds United
Leeds United are on course for automatic promotion back to the Premier League, but that is not to say there is not room for Daniel Farke to take a gamble.
The Whites currently sit second in the table and are just three points behind league leaders Sheffield United after their 1-1 draw against Preston on Saturday (14 December).
There’s plenty of the season left of course and players such as Joe Rothwell have really come into their own over the last few weeks, but then others such as Brenden Aaronson seem to have lost their mojo.
The US international’s lack of form was made evident once again in the Whites’ draw against Paul Heckingbottom’s men as he was hooked in the 65th minute by his manager.
But, with Ethan Ampadu now getting back to full fitness and being included in Daniel Farke’s matchday squads, a change of position could be on the cards for Rothwell.
Joe Rothwell a good choice for Leeds United in the number ten role
When Ampadu and Ilia Gruev were injured, fans were more than likely worried but both Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have easily filled the voids they left behind.
And, after his game at Deepdale on Saturday, it feels like the on-loan ace could be Farke’s answer to his number 10 role that has been lacking over the last few weeks.
As per Sofascore, in the 77 minutes he was on the pitch, he maintained a pass accuracy of 95 per cent and had 72 touches of the ball from the defensive midfield position.
While one of Rothwell’s main roles as a defensive midfielder is to ensure the opposition’s attack doesn’t break through, his attacking nature was also impressive.
Of the 59 passes he made in the clash, one was deemed ‘key’. While his xG was only 0.06 and his xA mustered a meagre 0.05, it feels like he’s been key in recent weeks.
He was also defensively solid as he made one interception and one tackle.
If Farke wants to gain automatic promotion this season, it feels like the best way for him to do that would be by playing Rothwell in a more advanced role.
His passing of the ball is far better than Aaronson’s and, as shown across the rest of the season, he also has a keen eye for goal.
Of course, time will only tell what the German has in store for his team but on paper, dropping Aaronson feels like the best move he could make.
In other Leeds news, the Whites may have found their new Crysencio Summerville in “dangerous” first-team ace.
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