Leeds United have made seven signings this summer and could add even more before next month. One thing is for certain ahead of next season – competition for places will be intense.
Last season, Daniel Farke chose to use a core group of players. This nearly backfired in the middle of the season when there was some fatigue, leading to poor performances. With new faces in almost every department, selecting the team every weekend will be difficult.
Jaka Bijol, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff have all been signed for positions in the team that have very tough competition. And the players acknowledged this in training these past weeks. New signing Sebastiaan Bornauw spoke about how difficult it will be battling to start in the heart of defence next season:
“I think we have four good centre-backs,”
“We are all going to try to play a good pre-season, and then I think he [Farke] will make his choice.
Winning a place in the first team is not going to be easy.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United sold these players to?
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Who has been performing in pre-season?
Credit: Imago
Jayden Bogle won a lot of plaudits during the Manchester United game. The fullback showed how important he will be to Daniel Farke’s system ahead of next season.
Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe have also stood out; both players netted in the friendlies behind closed doors in Germany. Wilfried Gnonto has also earned some good reviews for his performances.
Gnonto is fighting for his place in the Leeds United team
The departure of Manor Solomon means that the spot on the wing is up for grabs; Dan James is expected to be the first choice right winger. Which means Gnonto will battle it out with Largie Ramazani. Former Leeds man Paul Robinson believes Gnonto is at risk of losing his place under Daniel Farke:
“Dan James is a shoo-in down the right-hand side. Didn’t miss many games last year. But the Premier League’s different.” he told MOT Leeds News.
“With the rigours of the Premier League, he is going to have to chop and change. But I think with Ramazani and Gnonto, the two of them can fight it out for that berth on the left-hand side.”
Who starts at left wing next season?
It will be a tough battle between Gnonto and Ramazani. Not forgetting that there is a big chance that the next signing Leeds will pursue will play on the left of the attack.
Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani are two exciting young talents, and their performances in pre-season will be key as Daniel Farke finalizes his plans.
