Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has not had an easy campaign in the Premier League this season. Since winning promotion, it has been a tough ride for the German.
Some media outlets even reported that he would be sacked in the summer because the ownership wanted a more experienced coach. But looking at how he has handled this season overall, he has done a decent job. Leeds United are still in danger, but have performed better than most people expected.
And a lot of this is down to Farke; who has spent the whole season chopping and changing to see what works. When Leeds could not score goals early in the season he changed the front three, and the goals started coming in. He changed the midfield, introducing Sean Longstaff which brought some important results.
Simon Grayson thinks new Leeds United system has transformed these players
His most recent tinkering has lead to a new system. In the second half against Manchester City, he brought on a striker and defender at half time, switching to a 3-5-2. Since then, the new shape has helped his side beat Chelsea, and hold Liverpool to a draw. Many have lauded the tactical innovation, including former Leeds boss Simon Grayson.
He says the new style has brought the best out of some players, namely Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson:
“It’s amazing how stumbling on a system, bowing to fan pressure, playing two up front , you can get some results.” he said on BBC West Yorkshire.
“This system that he’s (Farke) playing now, suits a lot of our players. No disrespect to the two full-backs, (Bogle and Gudmundsson), both are better going forward than defensively,”
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Daniel Farke has made the most of recent switches
The change in formation has affected many parts of the team; playing two strikers has brought the best out of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in recent games, and Lukas Nmecha thrived in a supporting role.
| Statistic | Jayden Bogle | Gabriel Gudmundsson |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Carries | 5 | 4 |
| Crosses Attempted | 7 | 12 |
| Chances Created | 3 | 5 |
| Tackles + Interceptions | 7 | 12 |
Grayson is right about the two fullbacks; they have gotten forward a lot since the formation shift and that has helped the attack. Before the change, Leeds relied on their wingers, who were not productive and never really offered anything. Fans are happy with this switch, and are looking forward to the results it will bring as the season goes on.
