Daniel Farke has a few ways to line his Leeds United midfield up in the absence of Anton Stach.
Leeds United will have to get through at least their next two games without Anton Stach following confirmation of an injury. Daniel Farke revealed on Wednesday his German midfielder is set to be out for 10-14 days with a hip problem, making him unavailable for Nottingham Forest on Friday and Chelsea away next week.
With two massive games on the horizon, Stach’s absence is a major blow but Leeds are arguably better-stocked in central midfield then any other area of the squad. Farke has five natural options when everyone is fit, plus some more unorthodox alternatives, and can change formation when necessary.
Farke will need to mix things up a little in the absence of his towering German and with so much on the line, simply has to get it right. Below, the YEP takes a look at three ways Leeds could line up in midfield over the next week.
Balanced midfield trio
A balanced midfield trio.placeholder image
A balanced midfield trio. | Lineup-builder.com
The most obvious player-for-player replacement for Stach is Sean Longstaff, given he’s got the legs to cover huge ground and plenty of top-flight experience. The former Newcastle United man hasn’t started since suffering a calf injury against Aston Villa in November but after two cameos, got 45 minutes off the bench against Arsenal and should be ready to start.
Should Farke want to bulk out the midfield in Stach’s absence, Ao Tanaka could provide a nice counter-weight to the running power of Longstaff. The Japan international is better in possession and can be the link between midfield and attack, while Ethan Ampadu remains the main man defensively.
One potential issue with this set up could be a shortage of passing options out wide, with wing-backs Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson lacking support from a winger ahead of them. Brenden Aaronson could drift wide but that would then need Tanaka to get alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin or risk the striker being isolated.
Solid base
A more defensive midfield set up.placeholder image
A more defensive midfield set up. | Lineup-builder.com
In games against top-level opposition or away from home - next week’s trip to Chelsea fits both categories - Farke might be minded to keep it tighter in midfield which would pave the way for Ilia Gruev. The Bulgarian struggled against Arsenal but has been a largely solid squad player, getting about the pitch and cutting off potentially dangerous passing lanes without a fuss.
With someone like Tanaka ahead of the pair, there is a link between midfield and attack again while dual-defensive midfielders could also give the wing-backs more freedom to join attacks. Should Leeds need a more creative presence in the attacking midfield role, they could of course introduce someone like Facundo Buonanotte.
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But in packing out the midfield there is once again a lack of wide support for Bogle or Gudmundsson, who could find themselves having to do it all on either side. Deploying two defensive midfielders at home against Forest on Friday also risks sending the wrong message to an Elland Road desperate to see those Chelsea and Crystal Palace performances replicated.
Attack focused
An attack-minded Leeds United midfield set up.placeholder image
An attack-minded Leeds United midfield set up. | Lineup-builder.com
Particularly in a game like Friday’s, Leeds might feel they have enough defensive insurance with Ampadu as the anchor, allowing Longstaff to cover ground and a more attacking option like Aaronson to fill that third spot. The American has proven adept at operating in hybrid roles, in this instance switching between a central midfielder and a winger/inside-forward.
Out of possession, Aaronson could drop in to support Bogle while Buonanotte drifts left to help Gudmundsson, with the pair given freedom to roam and rotate when Leeds push forward. They can both get around Calvert-Lewin while the wing-backs hold width and Longstaff and Ampadu protect against potential counter-attacks.
Leeds would risk being a little open in midfield, however, with Longstaff not quite at Stach’s level in terms of winning loose balls. It would require Ampadu to be right at his best or risk getting overrun.
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