With how good Leeds United have been this season, some players have had to do with being on the fringes of the squad.
Leeds are now top of the Championship after their win against Swansea on Sunday. The Whites secured a big result in their first match back from the international break. This time around Daniel Farke’s players arrived early and had time to rest, unlike after the last international break where players arrived less than 72 hours before their next league game.
Daniel Farke has done a great job with the team this season. He has used the squad well, even after losing a bunch of players from last year.
Brenden Aaronson, who was out on loan last season and was close to leaving the club, is now a key part in the first team.
QUIZ: Can you name the season these 10 Leeds United shirts are from?
Star man set to leave Leeds United
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In the absence of Summerville and Rutter, Farke has trusted Wilfried Gnonto to provide the spark in the team. The Italian scored the winner against Swansea after Daniel Farke brought him off the bench.
Leeds have the second best attack in the league, having scored 28 goals. But with how well the team have been playing, some players have been rarely given minutes so far. Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt have made the least appearances among attackers at the club this season.
Many point to the duo’s injury and fitness problems. This is true for Bamford who continues to struggle to stay fit; but for Gelhardt, Daniel Farke seems not to trust him. This season, the Leeds boss has even played Mateo Joseph ahead of the forward. Farke admitted a few weeks ago that Gelhardt did not make match day squads because it was his choice as the head coach.
Farke on #LauFC Gelhardt “has had a few minor injuries in last few weeks.” Loves his attitude & ability but there is a lot of competition: “I can’t always take 4 strikers. It’s tough for him but I like his attitude. His time will come. He’s a top class human & a quality player.”
— Adam Pope (@apopey) November 25, 2024
Gelhardt had a great season on loan with Sunderland in the 2022/23 season where he had three goals and three assists in the Championship. But he has only made 12 appearances for Leeds over the past year. This has lead to reports that he has asked for a move in January.
Should Leeds let Joe Gelhardt go?
The team is in a good place under Daniel Farke, and with how well everyone has played it might be difficult for Gelhardt to change the Leeds boss’s mind. Mateo Joseph has also embraced his chance in the first team this season, the youngster is now ahead of Gelhardt in the pecking order. A move in January would be the best for all parties involved.
