Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe
Leeds United look as though they could be on course for a memorable season under the management of Daniel Farke.
The Whites currently sit in 15th, six points above the relegation zone with 12 games to go, whilst also progressing into the fifth round of the FA Cup, with a cup tie against Championship outfit Norwich City at Elland Road set to take place in March.
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Farke’s men booked their place in the next round of the competition by defeating Birmingham City on penalties in their most recent outing.
However, the German manager had to take a massive risk during the game with one of his players, and the 49ers are arguably responsible for putting Farke in that position in the first place.
Gabriel Gudmunsson forced to play all 120 minutes against Birmingham
By now it’s very simple for Leeds, if Gudmundsson is fit, he starts, with the Swedish defender nailing down his spot on the left side of the Leeds backline, whether that is at left-back or left-wing back.
Due to the current makeup of Leeds’ squad, the 26-year-old is the only natural left-back the club has, and although James Justin is more than capable of impressing in that role, the Englishman is also responsible for providing cover at both right back and centre back.
Against Birmingham, with Justin playing on the right-hand side of the defence, Farke was effectively forced to play Gudmundsson if he wanted to field a competitive team, with Sam Byram evidently not being trusted to perform at a high level anymore by his manager.
As a result, Gudmundsson had to play all of the 120 minutes against Birmingham, a major risk on Farke’s end.
The game should send a clear message to the 49ers that the Whites urgently need to recruit more depth in this position over the summer, as at this moment in time, Gudmundsson has to carry the load of playing each and every minute he is available.
READ MORE:49ers to force out £3.3m Leeds United ace amid latest transfer developments – The Leeds Press
Data suggests Gabriel Gudmundsson impressed against Birmingham
Although every Leeds supporter will have held their breath every time Gudmundsson bombed forward, praying he remained injury-free, the Swede delivered another impressive performance against Birmingham.
Whilst this was to be expected, that’s not the point; it arguably should never have been allowed to happen in the first place if the 49ers recruited adequate depth for that position.
Gabriel Gudmundsson – Match Stats vs Birmingham
Stat Value
Minutes 120
Key passes 2
Progressive carries 4
Interceptions 7
Clearances 4
Recoveries 6
Ground duels (won) 9 (5)
(Sofascore)
With Leeds still in the midst of a relegation battle, potentially losing Gudmundsson to an injury would be a catastrophic blow for Leeds, and the 49ers must ensure that Farke is not left in this same predicament next season.
READ MORE:‘He looked vulnerable…’ – Elland Road insider slams £15.6m Leeds United ace – The Leeds Press