Farke’s £17m Leeds gamble is backfiring – unleash the new Raphinha before it’s too late

Daniel Farke must decide whether Leeds United will become a more dangerous attacking side. There is a difference between finding a new role for a talented player and forcing him into a position that does not get the best out of him.

Leeds have enough quality to trouble opponents, but they need their best players operating in the right areas.

Continuing with an experiment that isn’t delivering could cost them a valuable attacking outlet, especially when another option is waiting for his chance to make a difference.

Farke should stop trying to fit square pegs into round holes and make a change that could improve Leeds at both ends of the pitch.

Read More: What Daniel Farke has said on Harry Wilson’s struggles this season

Farke must end the Stach experiment

Anton Stach arrived at Elland Road for around £17m last summer and looked most comfortable operating as a number eight. His ability to move the ball forward and contribute from midfield made him an appealing addition, but Farke has increasingly used him on the right-hand side of the attack.

That experiment hasn’t brought out the best in the German. His passing has become less reliable, while his influence in advanced areas has been limited. Stach is an important player for Leeds, but the manager needs to put him back where he can dictate play rather than asking him to provide the attacking spark from out wide.

There is little point in weakening one area of the team to accommodate a solution that isn’t working elsewhere. Stach should return to midfield, where he can be used better.

Read More: Daniel Farke’s £17m Leeds gamble is blowing up in his face – enough is enough

Wilson could become Leeds’ new Raphinha

That would open the door for Harry Wilson, whose arrival would give Farke a chance to add a different dimension to Leeds’ attack.

The Welshman has the technical quality, delivery and attacking instincts to become a genuine difference-maker. Leeds need someone who can produce the decisive pass, create chances from nothing, and chip in with goals when their forwards struggle to find space.

Raphinha once provided that kind of spark at Elland Road. Wilson should not be expected to replicate everything the Brazilian brought to Leeds, but he could become a similarly influential attacking presence if given the freedom and responsibility to make things happen.

Leeds cannot afford to be predictable in the final third. They need more creativity, more end product and players willing to take responsibility when opportunities arise.

Farke has a potential solution in his summer signing. Rather than keeping Stach in a role that doesn’t suit him, he should move the German to midfield and push Wilson further forward. This change could give Leeds the attacking edge they need.