A lot of focus is naturally being placed on the areas Leeds United must strengthen this summer - of which there are a lot - but not all line-up positions need new faces.
It is true that several once-regular faces may drop out of the starting XI and, for some, the club itself before the start of next season. Junior Firpo looks to be on his way while Illan Meslier might have lost his number one jersey for good.
New signings will need to replace these players and work is already being done to advance towards more recruits. But Farke will know at least five players who will start against Everton in United’s opening game.
One of them is Jaka Bijol, whose arrival from Udinese will be made complete in the next few days. He is expected to usurp Pascal Struijk at left centre-back and be one of the core signings of the summer. Here are the other four dead-cert starters.
Joe Rodon
The other obvious starter is Rodon, who will build up a partnership with the 6ft 4in Bijol. Rodon was a colossus at the back for Leeds last season, showing he is far too good for Championship level.
With an eye for a good pass and excellent communication skills, he will be a pillar in Farke’s system. Rodon is one of the leaders of the group who doesn’t need an armband.
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The Welshman does wear his heart on his sleeve which is both a good and a not-so-good thing. The passion he exudes endears him to onlookers but Farke has already had a chat with him about not letting his negative emotions spill over and impact teammates. After all, players will be looking to him for guidance.
Jayden Bogle
Bogle has earned the right to start at right-back in the top flight, having been the pick for the Championship team of the season. He was branded by Farke as his favourite player over the festive period, so consistently high were his performances.
Bogle went forward a lot last season but will be required to lean more on his defensive assets next term, which went understated but were very much present over the past year. He hardly got beaten in a one-on-one.
Next year will be different and it’s about how he deals with having to make recovery tackles while staying disciplined in keeping position and not leaving holes. Having already had a dour top-flight season with Sheffield United, he is now, beneficially, a more mature player because of his experiences.
Daniel James
The Welsh wizz-kid arguably found the best stride of his career last season and will be key for United’s transitions from defence to attack next campaign. He knows all about the Premier League given his spells at Manchester United and Fulham, who were also a newly-promoted side during the 2022/23 season.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, pictured right, and Daniel James (Image: Getty Images)
James will be aware that he will have to do more tracking back than he did last term while also having to be patient for chances to go the other way. He has worked up a great relationship with Bogle on the right which will help given they know how the other works.
The key for James will be staying fit. He’s had a fairly sound injury record at Leeds against Championship opposition, but with so much acceleration play and transition phases, the muscles must be managed.
He ended the season with a hamstring problem that took him out for longer than expected. Such absences, however blameless, would be more costly next season.
Ethan Ampadu
The captain is so essential to Farke’s plans that he once branded him as his most important player - perhaps more so for his leadership skills but his game play will be evermore important next season.
Leeds could get away without a natural six at times last term but will not be able to do this time and Ampadu will be tasked with protecting the defence while helping to spark the transition into attack. Again, like James, Ampadu’s fitness will be key.
He suffered two setbacks last season and Leeds missed his leadership. On a personal level, having been sold by Chelsea and gone down with Sheffield United, this is the chance for Ampadu to show he deserves to be a Premier League regular.
Why not others?
Daniel Farke has shown his eye for a good transfer during his Leeds United tenure, Ao Tanaka being a prime example
Daniel Farke has shown his eye for a good transfer during his Leeds United tenure, Ao Tanaka being a prime example (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
The obvious omitted player most will point to here is Ao Tanaka. He undoubtedly has the technical ability to thrive in the Premier League and also made it into the Championship team of the season. Rivals look on with envy.
However, there are concerns over his strength against bulkier and more robust midfielders in the top flight, having been bullied off the ball on occasion last term. There is a reason why all-rounders such as Noah Sadiki are being looked at by Leeds.
Going around the team, goalkeeper has got to be a priority with Meslier now out of favour and Karl Darlow, 34, not holding enough quality to be a Premier League starter. Left-back needs filling too with Firpo looking bound for Real Betis and Sam Byram not going to be first choice if he signs a renewal.
Options on the left flank need looking at with the chances of landing Manor Solomon seemingly slim and Jack Harrison far from a popular character amongst the fanbase. There is a world where he stays but the question is whether he contains the quality required. It would be a worry if Largie Ramazani was the main choice.
Right now Brenden Aaronson is the only specialised number 10 but few are convinced that he is a long-term option and many believe a new attacking midfielder is needed. Aaronson may be kept on given his energy and pressing, which will be vital next season - it’s just the rest of his game that provokes frustration.
As for the striker, Lukas Nmecha arrives as a back-up, and probably behind Joel Piroe in the pecking order. A first rate goal-getter is needed and Piroe’s barren spells last season incur concern about his success at the top level.
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