Daniel Farke risks silly Leeds transfer error after Ilia Gruev display vs Liverpool
Ilia Gruev produced his best performance of the season in Leeds United’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Thursday.
Leeds are on a six-game unbeaten run after keeping their first clean sheet since August, and there is real optimism among supporters that they can avoid relegation.
Daniel Farke has overseen a remarkable change of fortunes, with his 3-5-2 tactic stifling Liverpool’s star-studded attack.
Gruev was excellent alongside Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, and the 25-year-old’s improving run of form has surely sent a message to Farke that there is no need for the potential signing of Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan.
Ilia Gruev’s display vs Liverpool highlights why Leeds don’t need another midfielder
Mulligan has been linked with a move to Leeds, with Nottingham Forest joining them in making an early approach.
The 23-year-old initially emerged through the Dundee academy before moving to Hibs in the summer on a free transfer.
Although the Edinburgh outfit would prefer to keep him until the summer, they may be forced to sell him if a big offer comes in during January as he continues to excel in Scotland.
| Stat | Mulligan |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Pass accuracy | 81% |
| Chances created | 19 |
| Touches in opposition box | 48 |
However, with Gruev thriving defensively in the centre of the park, a move for Mulligan could upset the balance of the team.
As a left-footed midfielder, Gruev holds extra value and provides balance and stability to the midfield.
Despite Ao Tanka’s impressive performances, the Bulgarian continues to be selected over him for that reason.
If a new midfielder were to come in, that would potentially unsettle Gruev, who is happy to play his part from the bench and has been a valuable servant to the club since he arrived in August 2023.
There’s no doubt that Mulligan is a talented player, but a midfielder who may not fit the system shouldn’t be so high on Leeds’ shopping list.
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Leeds have several other positions they should prioritise in January
In Gruev, Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach and Sean Longstaff, the Peacocks have a group of players who have all thrived in different ways.
It begs the question as to why Farke wants fresh legs in there, and there are clearly more important issues that have to be addressed.
For when Leeds play with four at the back, a new winger with extra quality would be perfect, while depth in the left-back position wouldn’t do any harm.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on fire up front, but if he could have an equally clinical striker alongside him, then Leeds would be a frightening team to come up against.
Gruev’s performance certainly made an impression on Farke, and it’s up to him to spend wisely in the January transfer window.
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