Leeds United have been in great form in the Championship.
The Whites have won three of their last four games, including a crucial 2-0 win over Sheffield United over two weeks ago. The Blades sit one point above Leeds in the league table.
Many would have ruled out Daniel Farke’s side after they lost a lot of big names during the summer. Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter all left to the Premier League.
Leeds brought in Largie Ramazani, Ao Tanaka, Isaac Schmidt and Joe Rothwell among other names to try and replace the players who departed. So far a few have impressed, but the rest of the new signings have a lot to prove.
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Leeds United defender told to improve
Credit: Imago Images
Ao Tanaka and Rothwell have formed a solid partnership in the middle of the park in the absence of Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev, who are both out due to injury.
Gruev only recently stopped using crutches, while Ampadu has started working on grass. The duo could return by January.
Isaac Schmidt is one of the summer signings who has not got the chance to impress yet. The defender has only played 14 minutes in the league. Daniel Farke urged the player to work harder to get a chance in the team:
“Lots of competition. If three other full-backs are chipping in with these performances it’s difficult to be involved. Recently he was struggling with a few illnesses and little injuries so broke his rhythm.
“It has impacted him a little bit in training. Needs to step up a bit to find the consistency in performance level. Then he has more chance to be more involved.”
Schmidt’s last game for Leeds was a 12-minute substitute appearance in their 3-0 win over Coventry in September.
Will Schmidt get a chance in the team?
It would be very difficult to make an argument for the Swiss defender considering how good the other options at fullback have been. Sam Byram, Junior Firpo and Jayden Bogle have all had solid performances this season.
It is very unfortunate that Schmidt’s momentum has been ruined with injuries, but with a long season ahead and a packed schedule between now and January, he will surely play some games.
Leeds are away to Millwall on Wednesday night as they look to climb back to second place on the table.
