Leeds United’s summer window can be seen as a jigsaw. Before the first addition of Lukas Nmecha, Daniel Farke and the transfer team were faced with many missing pieces.
The 10 summer additions have filled up the majority of the holes. But with the deadline now passed, Farke is left with a jigsaw puzzle that is nearly complete, but missing some key parts. Harry Wilson, for example.
Following the 0-0 draw against Newcastle, Farke urged Leeds to sign some more attacking players. A deal for Facundo Buonanotte was done, a medical and flight booked, but off the Argentine popped to Chelsea.
Then, a deadline-day move to sign Wilson looked on the cards. Robbie Evans said Wilson wanted to join Leeds, but Fulham blocked a move after The Cottagers failed to reach a deal for Chelsea’s Tyrique George.
Harry Wilson in action for Wales.
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Missing pieces and Daniel Farke’s Juninho Pernambucano wish
So, Leeds are left with a well-stocked goalkeeping department, key with Lucas Perri now sidelined. They have a defence with two players for every position and five top-quality options in central midfield.
Leeds don’t lack options in the final third, but they lack quality. They lack creativity and a player who can operate as a winger and a 10. A big-name striker. Most importantly of all, Leeds lack a set-piece specialist.
Speaking in his press conference, Farke was asked who will be his main set-piece taker after missing out on Wilson. He replied with a few options, wishing he had retired Lyon legend Juninho Pernambucano.
Daniel Farke, Leeds manger during game v Newcastle United.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
“I can’t confirm it [main set-piece taker] because I never know who is in the starting line-up. The set-piece taker has to be in the starting line-up. It depends what we do, inswinging or outswinging,” Farke said.
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“Whether there is a weakness in the opposition. Anton Stach, Harrison, Gabby Gudmundsson, Ilia Gruev, Brenden Aaronson can all take them. It’s not like we have Juninho in his prime who takes every set-piece.”
Juninho Pernambucano is widely considered the best-ever
Better than David Beckham, better than Lionel Messi and plenty of other free-kick geniuses to grace the game. Pernambucano, now Lyon’s sporting director and aged 50, is widely known as the greatest ever.
Indeed, the 40-capped Brazilian playmaker, who is a legend in Lyon circles, scored a whopping 77 free-kicks throughout his career. More than any other player. He perfected the deadly knuckleball technique.
Juninho in action for Lyon.
Photo credit should read FRED DUFOUR/AFP via Getty Images
Leeds did not need a free-kick or corner taker as good as Juninho. But a player that when on the pitch, Leeds players knew who was taking a set-piece and Leeds fans could feel there was a chance of a goal.