As we enter the backend of the Premier League season, Daniel Farke’s Leeds United starting XI almost picks itself, given the recent form of the team.
Unfortunately for the likes of Willy Gnonto and Ao Tanaka, United’s good form has seen the pair’s roles be reduced heavily in comparison to last season.
However, with Leeds still sitting comfortably above the relegation zone, Farke has no reason to change his team at this moment in time.
Sean Longstaff is another one of these players to be affected, with the midfielder surely evaluating his Elland Road future after what happened against Aston Villa.
Anton Stach’s masterclass against Aston Villa damages Sean Longstaff’s prospects of starting
Given the fact that Longstaff has been unable to nail a place down in the team since he returned from injury, it must have been demoralising for the Geordie to see Stach thrown straight back into the starting XI against Aston Villa upon his return from injury.
This was a decision from Farke that was ultimately justified, with Stach scoring a spectacular free-kick to complement an all-around impressive midfield performance from the German.
Now, with Stach reclaiming his spot in the side, it will only be harder for Longstaff to break back in between now and the end of the season.
With Ilia Gruev also in impressive form and performing a different role in the side to Stach, the German is arguably Longstaff’s main competition for a starting position, with Ethan Ampadu’s performances this season also making him undroppable.
During the Villa game, Longstaff was ultimately subbed on for Stach in the 83rd minute, and it looks as though the Englishman will continue to play this bit-part role between now and the end of the season.
Data suggests Sean Longstaff’s gametime has been limited this season
When Longstaff joined Leeds for around £12million from Newcastle last summer, it’s fair to assume someone with so much Premier League experience would have envisaged starting more than 10 league games for a newly promoted side by the end of February; however, that is the reality Longstaff currently faces.
- Longstaff has been limited to just 957 minutes in total in the Premier League this season
- The midfielder averages just 56 minutes per game
- Despite his limited gametime, Longstaff still has one goal and two assists this season (Sofascore)
Given the fact that the 28-year-old was bang average in his last start against Birmingham in the FA Cup, that will do him little favours when it comes to persuading Farke to give him more minutes.
Longstaff has not started a Premier League match since the Whites hosted Villa at Elland Road back in November, and you would assume if this does not change sooner rather than later, then Longstaff’s stay in West Yorkshire could be short-lived.
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