Leeds United
Leeds United had one of the best midfield units in the Championship last season. Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka were a solid partnership in the middle of the park as the Whites secured promotion.
So going into the Premier League, there was confidence that both would remain as first choice starters. Then Leeds recruited Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff; two midfielder who ticked the box for intensity and physicality. This increased the competition for midfield spots in the team as the season has progressed. Stach, Longstaff, Tanaka, Gruev and Ampadu have competed well at different points of the season, with each bringing a unique skillset.
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Spending £12 million on Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United was not well received initially, but with the impact he made early in the season, fans have accepted him as a huge part of the first team.
Leeds United star speaks after return to first team
Longstaff was out for months with an injury and only recently returned to action. He has been limited to cameos off the bench, but had the chance to play in the FA Cup this weekend. The former Newcastle man played all 120 minutes in the FA Cup triumph over the Blues, and after the game, spoke on how eager he is to return to a starting spot:
“I have been chomping at the bit really to get back in but having to be patient because we are playing well at the minute and picking up good results, so all I can do is try and work as hard as I can every day and wait for an opportunity.” he said after the win.
“Obviously, today was a tough game, probably not one where you are going to be on the ball and showing everything you can do but it probably shows a different side to everyone’s game.”
“Not just me, there are a lot of lads in there who are obviously chomping at the bit to play. The competition is really good and as long as we can push each other to be a better football team, that is all that matters.”
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Huge boost to have Sean Longstaff back
At this point of the season, Leeds need everyone on board. The club need keep players to return to full fitness with the games set to get more intense as the season goes on. Daniel Farke has complained about the absence of some players over the last few weeks, and will be glad to have Longstaff back in the lineup.
Leeds have positioned themselves well to seal survival with 12 games left this season, but will have to be flawless until the end. Longstaff is also a great player to have in the dressing room, given his experience in the Premier League in his career.