“I don’t get the debate” – Daniel Farke urged to avoid Leeds United call involving Ampadu, Struijk and Gruev
FLW’s Leeds United fan pundit believes Pascal Struijk should return to the side as soon as possible, in spite of Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev’s form.
Leeds United have won five games in a row in the Championship and are flying under Daniel Farke, despite the absence of Pascal Struijk.
He and Joe Rodon had formed an imperious partnership at the heart of Leeds’ defence, and were arguably the best pairing in the division prior to Struijk suffering an adductor issue which has kept him out of action since the turn of the year.
With Charlie Cresswell temporarily frozen out recently, and Liam Cooper also suffering from injury problems of his own, Farke was forced to tinker with the configuration of his side. He opted to move Ethan Ampadu into the centre of defence, allowing Ilia Gruev to come into the pivot position and shine so far in 2024.
Gruev had started just two games before his inclusion against Peterborough United in the FA Cup and hasn’t looked back since, starting six times since then in all competitions. The Bulgarian has been one of the most consistent players for the Whites. The form of him and his side at the moment has sparked debate online about whether any of the current team should drop out once players such as Struijk return.
Context is obviously important, though, and Leeds have yet to face a side in the top eight in that time – playing the likes of Birmingham City, Cardiff City, Preston North End, Norwich City, and Bristol City. That begs the question of whether they would not have had the same results anyway, irrespective of what iteration of midfielders or defenders Farke deployed.
The verdict on Daniel Farke’s Pascal Struijk dilemma
FLW’s Leeds United fan pundit Kris Smith, naturally, is pleased with Leeds’ form and strength in depth, but believes Farke has to find a way to play all Leeds’ best players at once, which includes a key piece of the puzzle in Struijk.
He said: “For me, Ampadu’s form when he’s dropped into centre-back shouldn’t really be a shock as he really just is that good for us.
“Ilia Gruev is the main story here, though. He just cannot be dropped anytime soon, having been on the sidelines for so long.
“Does that mean Struijk has to wait his turn to get back in? No. For me, it means that we have to find a way to get him, Ampadu, Gruev, and Rodon all in the same defensive unit.
