Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix has offered his insight into the fascinating midfield puzzle facing Daniel Farke at Leeds this season.
With a new campaign on the horizon, the lifelong fan believes the competition for places is fiercer than ever, thanks to a blend of new signings and existing talent.
Rix highlighted the impressive form of Ethan Ampadu, despite pre-season blunder, and discussed how the manager’s preferred formation will create selection headaches.
The Leeds fans have also not been shy in sharing their concerns around Sean Longstaff after his performance versus Villarreal.
The coming weeks will be a fascinating glimpse into Farke’s plans as he searches for the perfect balance, giving Leeds fans plenty to ponder as they await the start of the season.
Simon Rix, bass guitarist in the Kaiser Chiefs.
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Kaiser Chiefs’ Simon Rix shares his midfield prediction
Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix spoke to the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast about Leeds’ midfield: “If we play 4-3-3, it will be interesting to see who will play in that midfield.
“Ethan Ampadu looked good (against Villarreal) and usually plays every minute and I think Daniel Farke will want that back six to become quite fixed.
“Those other two places (are up for grabs) – Sean Longstaff wants to play, have Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka got to play? Ilia Gruev has played loads this pre-season and it’s looking like he is not getting sold. It will be really interesting to see who starts against Everton.
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“I think something like Longstaff, Stach and Ampadu will play in the difficult games, and something like Ampadu, Stach and Tanaka or maybe even Brenden Aaronson will play in the games that we think we might win.”
During Saturday’s 1 – 1 draw versus Villarreal, Farke’s starting XI included four in the middle of the field. These were Sean Longstaff, Ethan Ampadu, Brenden Aaronson and Anton Stach.
It remains to be seen how Farke will line up his midfield when Leeds host Everton for their Premier League opener.
The engine room, Longstaff and Stach vs. Ampadu and Tanaka
The midfield arrivals of Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach have introduced new dimensions to Leeds United’s options, complementing the existing qualities of players like Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka.
Longstaff, a permanent signing from Newcastle, brings valuable Premier League experience and is known for his defensive solidity and work rate. He is a player who provides a strong presence in front of the back four.
Sean Longstaff playing for Leeds United.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Similarly, Anton Stach, a German international from Hoffenheim, is known as an aggressive, ball-winning defensive midfielder. At 6’4″, he offers a physically imposing option who excels at breaking up opposition play and progressing the ball forward.
This contrasts with the playing styles of Ampadu and Tanaka. Ampadu, who is a cornerstone of the team and can operate in both midfield and defence, is highly composed on the ball with an excellent range of passing, dictating play from a deeper position.
Tanaka, meanwhile, is known for his passing and tenacious tackling. The new signings give Farke a wealth of different combinations to choose from, allowing him to tailor his midfield to specific opponents.