Daniel Farke has built a Leeds United squad with greater depth and competition for places, but that brings its own challenges. Keeping everyone happy is never easy, especially when several players have compelling cases for a start.
The Leeds boss has found a defensive combination that works well, and there is little incentive to change it simply for the sake of it. However, a strong squad also needs careful management, especially when an established player finds himself on the outside looking in.
With Leeds approaching another important stage of the season, Farke faces a decision that will be harder to ignore. One of his most important players from last season is struggling to get a look-in, and the situation cannot continue indefinitely.
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Jaka Bijol faces an uphill battle to reclaim his place
Bijol was one of Leeds’ key performers after arriving last summer, but his position has changed since Joe Rodon’s injury forced Farke to reconsider his defensive options.
Tarik Muharemovic has been outstanding since joining the club and has made himself difficult to drop. Nico Elvedi, meanwhile, is a natural right-footed option to replace Rodon, while James Justin’s versatility gives Farke the tactical flexibility he values in a back three.
Those factors explain why Bijol has struggled to return to the starting eleven. They do not, however, diminish his own qualities. The Slovenian has already shown what he can bring to Leeds, and leaving him on the sidelines for weeks at a time would be a waste.
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Farke must find a way to accommodate Bijol
Farke doesn’t need to break up a defence that is performing well, but he must find ways to keep Bijol involved. Rotation, formation changes, and opportunities against particular opponents could help the defender regain momentum without undermining the current partnership.
The manager also needs to consider the longer-term implications. A player of Bijol’s calibre will want to play regularly, and spending too much time as a substitute could eventually raise questions about his future at Elland Road.
Leeds invested in Bijol because they believed he could be an important part of their project. That should not change simply because other defenders have impressed.
Muharemovic and Elvedi deserve their places on merit, but Leeds need more than a strong first-choice defence. They need a squad where quality players stay ready to contribute when called upon.
Bijol is too good to be relegated to the bench. Farke must find a way to bring him back into the picture, even if that means using the depth he has worked so hard to build.
Quite simply, I don’t understand … imo, Jaka Bijol must be incorporated into DF’s defence as the CB in the middle of the back 3. Since his arrival at the club, he has been a revelation, as he has in international games for Slovenia. Nico Elvedi has proved that he could be used on the right of the 3 as the marauding RCB, and those 3 together would strengthen the back line. Much as I love JJ, his best position is at RB/LB or WB … perhaps some rotation with Bogle and Gudmundsson would lessen the pressure on their demanding game time.
Jaka Bijol is far too good to be ‘on the bench’.