Leeds United have had a decent start to the season, with a much better standing than a lot of fans expected. With newly-promoted teams, it is very difficult to compete after coming from the Championship.
So far, Leeds look to be adjusting to the level in the top flight. Performances against Everton, Newcastle United and Bournemouth have shown that the team have what it takes to survive this season. But it will ultimately depend on Daniel Farke and the decisions he makes, if the team are to survive this season.
Six league games into the season and it looks like the German is getting a grasp of his best team for the Premier League.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
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Sean Longstaff cementing place in Leeds United team
Sean Longstaff Credit: Imago
Farke has never been one to let new transfers or player price tags to affect his team selection. In the Championship last season, the Whites signed Isaac Schmidt and Largie Ramazani, but both barely played and were reduced to cameos at the end of the season.
Leeds have already made some bold calls since the season began. Farke has chosen not to involve new signings Jaka Bijol or Sebastiaan Bornauw at all, with the latter missing out on matchday squads.
In midfield, Leeds have made a subtle change which has come as a surprise to everyone. Sean Longstaff now looks to be Daniel Farke’s preferred midfield over Ao Tanaka in the lineup. The former Newcastle man has proved his quality in the Premier League so far, with his influence growing in every game. And with his last outing against Bournemouth, it is likely he will continue in the role for the near future.
Questions over Ao Tanaka’s physicality
Ao Tanaka started the season off brightly, but his injury before the international break gave Longstaff the chance to enter the lineup. Graham Smyth has been speaking about what goes on at Elland Road, and he now seems to confirm one major issue. The Athletic reported earlier this summer that Leeds had concerns over Ao Tanaka adapting to the physicality of the league, and Smyth agrees:
“My concern with Tanaka was physicality in the Premier League.” he said on The Square Ball.
“He got run over a few times towards the end of the last season.
“I worried a little bit, against the most elite athletes in the Premier League.”
This could be why the Japanese international has been moved to the bench in favour of the more experienced option in Sean Longstaff.
