Lukas Nmecha Leeds United
Leeds United have began the year in the best way, picking up huge results against Manchester United and Liverpool. Many did not expect the Whites to start the year with the form they ended December with, but they have proven everyone wrong.
A lot of credit for this run goes to Daniel Farke, his tactical switch to the 3-5-2 has gotten the best out of players in the team. He was heavily criticized for his team selection earlier in the season, but since the Manchester City defeat, things have been going well.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Farke’s tactical flexibility has shown in the last two games; the Whites were very conservative against Manchester United and Liverpool, allowing them to earn draws in those games. Before that, Leeds were a high scoring team; playing out 3-3 draws and beating Chelsea and Crystal Palace by three goals.
Lukas Nmecha does not fit in new Leeds United role
The new system has meant that some players have had to adjust to different roles. Brenden Aaronson has been a huge beneficiary of his new position in midfield – he is playing his best football this season. He was great in games against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Lukas Nmecha now finds himself in a difficult spot; before his injury, he had a great partnership with Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the two strikers up top. But since his return in recent games, Farke has shifted him to more of a wide left role. Which has seen him look very out of place in games against Sunderland and Manchester United.
Daniel Farke cannot repeat the same mistake against Newcastle
Defensively, Nmecha was a horror show in his last two cameos; he looked lost on the left and did not know who to close down or where to be when defending. Even though he is versatile, he thrives more in central areas as seen earlier this season.
Farke is losing a lot of value sticking one of the better attackers at the club out wide. Against Newcastle, if Nmecha does feature, it will be wise to use him up top. Bringing him on to play on the left again would be disastrous, considering how much Eddie Howe’s side like to attack down the flanks. Leeds have been great recently, but it is these little things that should be tweaked to make the team better overall.