Ilia Gruev has become a key player for Leeds United since arriving from Werder Bremen for a bargain transfer fee of £4 million. Moreover, a stat shows that it’s challenging for the opposition to score when he’s out on the pitch.
Before joining Leeds, the 24-year-old spent nine years with the Bundesliga side, rising through their youth system and eventually cracking the first team. Gruev spent three years on the senior squad and it’s his performance there that he garnered the attention of Leeds manager Daniel Farke.
The player left Germany to continue his career in England, and while it took time for him to establish himself as a starter, now it seems unlikely that the player will come out of the starting 11, whether it’s for club or country.
Ilia Gruev provides defensive help
At the halfway point last season, Gruev finally got his chance in the team when Ethan Ampadu shifted to the center of defense. He made the most of the opportunity, providing a solid barrier in front of the backline.
Gruev made 25 appearances last season as the defensive midfielder, a role that he continues to hold onto this campaign. Furthermore, the 24-year-old taking over this position has done wonders for the club and his national team.
LeedsUnited.News highlighted an impressive stat for the midfielder, noting that since the start of the year, Gruev has made 33 appearances for club and country—29 for Leeds and four for Bulgaria. During that time, he’s been part of an impressive 19 clean sheets.
Gruev’s current form, which includes two clean sheets with Bulgaria last week, is simply outstanding. Additionally, Leeds have three clean sheets in the four matches they have played this 2024-25 Championship season, so this trend that Gruev is on continues into this new campaign for the squad.
If Leeds secure promotion this campaign, Gruev will likely be one of the unsung heroes of the season. While his contributions might not always grab the spotlight, Gruev’s intelligence, tenacity, and passing are crucial to helping Leeds and Bulgaria keep their opponents at bay. His role in shutting down attacks is often underrated but vital.
