Do Leeds United need a new number 10? For many supporters eager to see more attackers through the door, the answer will be most definitely.
Yet Daniel Farke looks to be deploying a 4-3-3 formation this season, with Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach dovetailing forwards when required. The absence of a direct number 10 was not notable against Everton - it wasn’t like a hole was left in the region.
Leeds are considering another attacking midfielder, with talks previously being held with Leicester City talent Bilal El Khannouss albeit it seems like no fruit will come of them. Nico Gonzalez of Juventus, who is on the radar, can also play behind the striker, although prefers the right wing.
Farke has said that he will not be rigid in formation this season and will not be afraid to adapt if required. Perhaps that hints more at why another number 10 could be sought, with a 4-2-3-1 still possible at some points and Brenden Aaronson the only specialised number 10 on the books.
At the same time, the optics for any incoming number 10 might look puzzling. The current base 4-3-3 formation does not cater for an outright attacking midfielder and there is no guarantee of frequent changes in formation.
Farke has already said his central midfield recruitment is complete, so the chances of a newcomer dropping deeper seem slim. Perhaps the wing looks more likely, as seen with Aaronson.
The American has looked more efficient out on the right but that’s after underwhelming in the 10 slot. Perhaps that gives weight to the idea of bringing in another option, given choices other than Aaronson are limited.
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With Noah Okafor poised to come in on the left, maybe a number 10 who can play on the right would suffice. Or how about killing two birds with one stone?
Bring in a striker who can drop as the number 10. That would plug two areas that fans want reinforcing. But then, isn’t this Joel Piroe? And wouldn’t another centre-forward make for a crowded department? After all, Okafor can play there.
The hunt for a number 10 is probably down the list of remaining priorities - a nice-to-have, rather than a must. Farke will never rule anything out until deadline day has passed, and chairman Paraag Marathe told Sky that movement in the final days of the window is not off the table.
Paraag Marathe, the Leeds United chairman, on Sky Sports
Paraag Marathe, the Leeds United chairman, on Sky Sports (Image: @SkySportsPL on X, formerly known as Twitter)
The problem Leeds have is convincing a player and his entourage that it is worth coming to a club that cannot guarantee game time in the role he is suited to.
This lends to the idea that such a move may happen towards the final knockings of the summer, when the personal circumstances of a player reaches panic stations and a quick move is needed.
Farke is honest with a player when discussing a potential move to his club. If they don’t like what they hear, then that’s that. Better to be honest and leave a player unhappy than sell a false dream and be stuck with an unhappy player.
The back-up full-back berth is clearly the next position to address should the signing of winger Okafor go through. The number 10 role might be next in line but how necessary this is at least debatable.
Perhaps Saturday’s game with Arsenal, when Leeds need to quickly and efficiently link defence to attack on the transition, will spell out the true need more clearly.
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