We’re in November and Daniel Farke has yet to name his strongest Leeds United starting lineup, that’s because he’s had to deal with Dan James and Willy Gnonto not being fully fit since August.
The Whites are entering a tense period of the season with Daniel Farke’s position as manager being called into question.
Attention has shifted to putting things right away at Nottingham Forest. Sean Dyche’s side will put up a stubborn defence, and it forces Leeds to improve their attacking performances or facing going home empty handed.
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Daniel Farke has been unable to name his strongest Leeds United XI since the start of the season
Farke is justifiably facing criticism from Leeds fans at the moment. Leeds look completely toothless on the road, and struggle to consistently create chances.
However, what hasn’t helped Farke is the lack of quality he’s got on the right wing. The lack of signing was well documented during August, but injury issues for Dan James and Willy Gnonto also haven’t helped.
Willy Gnonto and Dan James haven’t been fully fit for Leeds United since August. (REUTERS/Jaimi Joy)
In Farke’s strongest possible lineup, there is room for healthy debate in a few positions:
Jaka Bijol or Pascal Struijk?
Sean Longstaff or Ao Tanaka?
Dan James or Willy Gnonto?
The fact that neither of Leeds’ two natural wingers have been available to start games since August has seriously hampered Leeds. Farke, as a result, hasn’t been able to name a starting lineup with Noah Okafor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and one of James or Gnonto.
Brenden Aaronson has worked tirelessly, and his performance against West Ham was exemplary. But, those sorts of displays are too few and far between for Leeds to count on during a relegation battle.
Willy Gnonto could be Leeds United’s missing piece when he’s fit to play
Dan James having another week of training under his belt means he’s surely pushing to start this weekend at Forest. That would be a massive boost to Leeds’ balance out wide. The Wales international provides Leeds with all the upside of Aaronson’s defensive work, but can be a real threat when he gets motoring in possession.
However, for me, Leeds’ missing piece in their attack is currently Gnonto.
The Italian is Leeds’ most creative attacking player, and is probably the best crosser of the ball in the squad:
Calvert-Lewin is not getting enough sight of goal at the moment. He’s not even getting enough touches of the ball. Someone that can connect the attack as well as Gnonto might unlock the 28-year-old too.
Every time Leeds go forward, they look their best when Okafor gets on the ball. It would add a new dimension to the attack if we had a natural winger on the other side. That’s especially so if that winger is someone as intelligent as Gnonto is on the ball, both cutting inside and holding width.
Farke might well be running out of time at Leeds. However, if he’s capable of getting his best attack all on the pitch at the same time, it may be the missing link he’s been waiting for.
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