Leeds United went on a strange run of games from the start of March that led to them dropping points in a close race for promotion.
Between 1st March and 5th April, Leeds won just one of their six league games. The opposition they dropped points to were very alarming. Daniel Farke’s men drew with QPR and lost to Portsmouth within the space of a week.
Leeds went away to the Riverside stadium to meet Middlesbrough. Within that same stretch of games, Sheffield United had won four of their six games, and Burnley were unbeaten.
It took a goal in the second minute from Daniel James to seal all three points as the Whites left the midweek game with all three points to climb back to the top of the league.
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Leeds United could rely on surprise replacement for Daniel James
James was also injured in the game against Middlesbrough. Daniel Farke revealed that the winger felt discomfort in his hamstring and was ruled out for the Preston game. Earlier this week, the Leeds United boss hinted that the Welsh international could miss two games in a row as he did not look ready to play this Friday:
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It looks like in the past few games, Daniel Farke has been experimenting with a new option out wide. The Leeds boss has called upon Isaac Schmidt to play as a winger in the last three straight games. Farke explained his reasons for playing the 25-year old out wide:
”I’m not surprised, he’s played in several different positions. Since the age of 22, he’s always played as a winger.
”…I like his attitude.”
And with Wilfried Gnonto failing to make his mark against Preston, Schmidt could finally be handed his first start of the season.
Is Isaac Schmidt the solution to replace Dan James?
Schmidt’s last three appearances in the first team has been to come on and play as a winger. He has played on the left, and the right so far. There has not been much to suggest he will be a useful option out wide.
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But against Middlesbrough, he showed some strength and ability to carry the ball that led to Patrick Bamford’s goal which was ruled out for offside. He has experience in playing on both flanks and so would not find this new role overwhelming. Playing Schmidt as a winger also allows Daniel Farke some tactical flexibility as he can use the defender to double up protection on one flank. It will be interesting to see how the former St. Gallen man is used for the remaining four games of the campaign.
