Good Morning. It's Thursday 12th October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Have Leeds found their next Pablo Graham Smyth, the Chief Football Writer for the Yorkshire Evening Post, has spoken out about the incredible transformation of Georginio Rutter, under Daniel Farke this season. Georginio, a £35m buy from Hoffenheim ten months ago, had been looked upon as a costly mistake by many, until that is, Daniel Farke got his hands on him. He arrived at Elland Road as a wide right inverted winger, who liked to cut inside, but in the space of just over three months has been modified into an exciting centre forward, with an astonishing creative influence. So far this season, the 21yo has already created 10 big chances for his team mates. To put that into perspective, Jack Harrison (our leading inventive player during our promotion winning campaign) managed 17 all season. Leeds have seriously lacked creative influence ever since Pablo Hernandez left two years ago, perhaps they have found their man, albeit by accident? “I took a look at his big chances created because it stood out that he has created more big chances in the top four tiers than anyone else. He’s got 10. I thought that was pretty remarkable at this stage and then I looked back at what Leeds’ general numbers were in the promotion season for individuals creating big chances. “I noticed that Jack Harrison had led the team with 17. Rutter already on 10 suggests he is a relentless chance creation machine. The chances he is creating are of a real good quality, like the one he laid on for Summerville at the back post, which was great. "He played Piroe in, should’ve scored first half. “He’s putting teammates in really good positions, but it’s the manner he’s doing it as well. Like his assist for Summerville against QPR, he slots it perfectly into his path, dissecting defensive lines. That’s the thing we’ve been banging on about since Hernandez left.” please log in to view this image The lure of working with Mourinho was too great Rasmus Kristensen has revealed that the lure of working with Jose Mourinho was a major factor in his decision making to Roma on loan this Summer. After a poor start, the great Dane was omitted from Mourinho's European campaign, but he is starting to find his feet. He has five league starts, and two substitute appearances under his belt, amassing 422 minutes of game time, and his performances are getting better. "He’s a fantastic coach. That’s one reason why I chose to go to Rome. He’s one of the greatest coaches in history who has won everything there is to win. And he has that aura too. For me, he’s a coach who is at the very top. So, of course, I wanted to try to work with him. So far, it has been totally cool and educational.” please log in to view this image Farke may have unlocked new attacking strategy Daniel Farke's inspired decision to switch Archie Gray to right back last weekend may have inadvertently have given the gaffer far more options pushing forward. Although Gray has operated at right-back for England youth before, it was a risky strategy for Farke, especially when going up against a forward four years his senior, already with a quartet of goals to his name. The experiment proved to be a renowned success; not only did Gray keep Sam Bell quiet all match, but he continued to link up well with Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara in the centre of the park. By Gray 'tucking inside', it allowed Dan James to operate in a wider position without unbalancing the team’s overall shape. Having that attacking prowess and pace down the wing will terrify the wing-backs in the Championship, giving Rutter and Piroe more freedom in central attacking positions. According to Farke:- “I have to give all the compliments to Archie because one thing is you can have an idea something works and also think ‘okay, the player with his strengths and his way can fulfil your wishes’, but it's much more important the player brings this on the pitch and there was no guarantee it would work today,” “We got the feeling we wanted to play today with a bit more of a technical player who plays from the full-back position, a bit more inverted, a bit like an additional midfield player. Also, the strength of Archie Gray is his pace also in tracking the wingers because [we] always got the feeling Bristol is good with long balls in behind our last row.” “We got the feeling Archie’s pace could help, but especially also in possession,” he said. “His positioning allows Daniel James to stretch opponents a bit more, to stay a bit wider. “Yes, one thing is you can have an idea, but the most important topic is you have players who bring it on the pitch and for that, yes, Archie was there with a terrific performance, especially against the ball, but also with the ball he was quite energetic in several situations. To adapt that quickly to this position, it says it all about him as a character and about his potential.” please log in to view this image
Morning all Apparently Dan James played a blinder yesterday coming on for the Ipswich guy who got injured (bad news for Ipswich) Rutter is just Rutter he isn’t the new anyone, let’s treat him as unique, continue to support him and he’ll only continue to improve Anyone who believes Jose is a top coach and can win without splashing cash, good luck to them they’ll need it. Jose signing one of last seasons worst RBs says it all really
Ipswich won't get 89 points. Wait til the injuries kick in (as they do with every team). They don't have the depth of squad that Leicester, Southampton or Leeds do.
Fck the electronic super computer, the super computer in my head forecasts a top two finish. Nuff said Good afternoon everyone.
It’s great that he’s playing well but probably worth remembering he’s doing it in the championship not the prem.
Evening all. Cooper on the bench for the Jocks away in Spain tonight as they look for the point required to confirm their qualification.
Spain 2 -0 Scotland. VAR did it's job and the Sweaties won't like it but it seemed the right decision.
VAR can go bollox, and I don't care if the jocks or spain won. It's a pile of ****, the sooner football get's rid the better. Where will it end, VAR on the school playground?
