Leeds United may have to wait a while before one of their signings from last year gets another meaningful opportunity at Elland Road, as the 1-1 draw against Manchester United did little to shift the pecking order in Daniel Farke’s defence.
The Leeds boss has several options, but the performances of the players currently occupying the key positions make it hard for anyone to force their way in.
That could leave one £15m signing facing an uncomfortable spell on the sidelines, with no obvious route back into the starting XI for the moment.
With Daniel Farke a big fan of consistency in team selections, and Leeds out of the EFL Cup early, the manager has no reason to change his team in the coming weeks.
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Leeds’ defensive partnership is making itself difficult to break up
Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi were superb against Manchester United, producing another assured display at the heart of the defence. Their understanding and composure have given Farke little reason to consider making a change, particularly after Leeds held their own against a side with plenty of attacking quality.
Jaka Bijol could therefore find himself waiting weeks for a genuine opportunity. The Slovenian arrived with expectations last year and established himself in the team.
But last season’s performances, reputation and transfer fee count for little when the players ahead of you are performing.
Farke will want competition for places, but dropping either Muharemovic or Elvedi after another strong performance would be difficult to justify. Unless injuries or a dip in form intervene, Bijol may have to be patient.
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James Justin’s versatility could work against Bijol
James Justin’s tactical flexibility further complicates matters. The defender can operate in different positions, giving Farke the option to adjust his system without making multiple changes to the starting XI.
That versatility could make Justin a more attractive option when the Leeds boss wants to tweak his side’s shape. It is not necessarily a reflection of Bijol’s ability, but it does give Farke another reason to stick with the players who offer him the most tactical options.
For a £15m signing, spending several weeks struggling to get a look-in is hardly ideal. Bijol will need to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way, but right now, Leeds’ defensive stability is working against him.
