Good Morning. It's Tuesday 9th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road. Leeds United Plunge Into Midfield Crisis Ahead of Fulham Clash Leeds United are facing a significant midfield crisis ahead of Saturday's game against Fulham, with key players Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka sidelined with MCL injuries. This left manager Daniel Farke down to bare bones, as evidenced by his reliance on Ilea Gruev, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach for the impressive 0-0 draw against Newcastle prior to the international break. The situation has now escalated dramatically due to a scandal involving Bulgarian international Gruev. Reports from 'Tema Sport' detail a furious dressing room bust-up with national team manager Ilian Iliev, after Gruev was surprisingly benched for Bulgaria's crucial 3-0 loss to Georgia. Whilst the gaffer claimed it was due to an injury picked up against Spain, it's widely reported that Gruev's anger over the team's below-par performance spiraled into a heated confrontation with both players and manager. The Bulgarian FA sided with Gruev, who then started the second half, albeit not fully fit. He is now rated doubtful for the trip to West London. please log in to view this image Big chance for Aaronson to stake his claim With Ethan Ampadu, AO Tanaka, and Ilia Gruev potentially sidelined for Leeds United’s trip to Fulham, manager Daniel Farke faces a crucial decision in midfield. Alongside Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach, an opportunity arises for a player to step up—and few are more deserving than Brenden Aaronson. The Leeds squad boast versatility, with players like Pascal Struijk, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson and James Justin all capable of plugging the gap; yet Aaronson, who played out of position last season after Georginio Rutter’s late exit, has shown resilience and growth. Once criticized for his tendency to go to ground easily, the American has won over the majority of fans with his relentless energy and constant pressing. His agility and ability to carry the ball between the lines make him a dynamic option, perfectly suited to Farke’s high-intensity system. Now, as injuries thin the midfield ranks, Aaronson could get his first start of the season—an opportunity to prove his worth. After rebuilding trust following his loan exit during Leeds’ relegation battle, this weekend could be Aaronson’s moment to fully reignite his Elland Road career. The stage is set; all he needs is the nod. please log in to view this image
Morning all. I thought Farke said ampadu would be back directly after international break. I wonder which of our paper players will be injured at Fulham
Will be a big loss if all 3 are out, hoping Gruev or Amps can make it. Tanaka would be nice but I’m more than happy with Longstaff in the middle away from home. If not I feel like we may have to do 3 at the back or have Struijk or Bijol in CDM. Aaronson is a winger or a 10, he’s can’t replace Ampadu or Gruev.
Morning all, Would rather see Bijol step into midfield alongside Longstaff then Aaronson. Nothing against Aaronson but he is not the type of player we want battling in midfield for us. He is more of a forward player. We need grit in the middle two. Wouldn't surprise me to see one of Ampadu or Gruev back though, if not both.
Yeah agree with this. Wouldn’t even be against Aaronson starting as he’s looked good as a sub but would have to be on the right wing. Unless we play a 4-2-3-1 which I don’t think we should do away from home, not as a starting formation anyway.
I know he started his career as a DM and is 2 footed, but i'd be really surprised if DF went for Bivol in midfield. If the 3 mids are all out, i'd expect us to go back to last year's formation as foolee suggests. Stach and longstaff holding, BA in the 10 role. I guess he could go 3 at the back but not seen any sign he's looking to do that so would be a big change. Last year we did ok with Gruev and Amps as the 2 away from home... basically our 2 more defensive midfielders. We were vulnerable with two lighter weight ballers... tanaka and rothwell... on our travels. It's not ideal but think Stach and Longstaff are capable of defensive duties. Aaronson gets bad press but he puts the hard yards in.
They said the same about Tanaka. It wouldn't have been the right time to say we have two players out of action for a month after a **** finish to the transfer window. Far better to say they've had a setback...
Afternoon If all three are injured does he go back to last seasons formation or stick with what we’ve been playing this season I think it will depend if anyone is fit enough for the bench, if DF feels he can get 20 minutes out of Ampadu then I’d imagine it’s far more sensible to swap a player for a player than shift the formation
Exactly. Evidence of two boots maybe... but it often looks like there isn't a foot in one of them, sometimes either of them.
I don't know who wrote that article but they haven't been watching Aaronson much. We have no chance if he starts in midfield, he's just too weak and constantly loses the ball
