Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has shared the message he gave to Joe Rothwell before the match against Derby County at Elland Road.
The Whites were in action against Derby in the Championship on Saturday afternoon. They won 2-0.
Joe Rodon put Leeds in the lead in the 39th minute when he found the back of the net with a header from a Rothwell delivery.
Max Wober made it 2-0 for the home team in the 44th minute with with a tap-in after a cross was deflected into his path by Derby striker Jerry Yates.
Rothwell was superb for Leeds against Derby. He was a leader in the middle of the park and a constant problem for the visiting team.
The midfielder, on loan from Bournemouth, played three key passes, put in 11 crosses and had a pass accuracy of 94.2%, according to WhoScored.
Joe Rothwell’s performance for Leeds v Derby impresses Daniel Farke
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke was hugely impressed with the display produced by Rothwell, especially as the midfielder did exactly what he told him to do before the match.
Farke has noted that Rothwell has not been at his best in recent games.
When asked about Rothwell’s influence, Farke said, as quoted in LeedsLive: “Excellent and much needed because he was not at his best in recent games.
“I told him I wanted a top performance with and without the ball today. It’s aggression to win the ball back and be there with steel.
“Excellent performance. We need this in the middle of the park. Ethan on the road back.”
Farke was then asked if Rothwell’s performance was a response to Ethan Ampadu’s comeback.
The Leeds boss responded: “Perhaps. Competition is always good. Better if they know they have to deliver. Better than being over confident thinking your place is safe.”
Ethan Ampadu return could see Joe Rothwell play further forward
Farke tends to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Rothwell and Ao Tanaka are the two holding midfielders. Tanaka played well against Derby.
Brenden Aaronson plays as the number 10 for Leeds. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has not been particularly great this season.
Aaronson has scored four goals and given one assist in 17 Championship starts, so Rothwell could take his position further up the pitch with Ampadu and Tanaka being deployed in defensive midfield.