Leeds United celebrate their first win of 2025 with the return of midfielder Ilia Gruev. His successful comeback presents manager Daniel Farke with a tough decision about how to best utilize his midfield options.
The return of midfielder Ilia Gruev to action ahead of schedule proved to be the perfect ending to Leeds United's first victory of 2025. The Bulgarian international made his first appearance in almost three months during Saturday's hard-fought FA Cup win against Harrogate Town at Elland Road. Gruev received a warm welcome from the home supporters after replacing Wilfried Gnonto. This was a welcome boost for Leeds, having both Gruev and Junior Firpo back in the team following injury layoffs.
\'To be honest, I am not sure I would have involved him (Gruev) in the squad for a league game,' revealed manager Daniel Farke in his post-match analysis. 'I was half hoping there was a chance to introduce him and give him the confidence back (against Harrogate). But it was also no gift, as I am normally a bit more careful after a long-term injury. \'He also had one or two training sessions in the last week together with us, at least in part of the sessions. He looked so sharp during this week, I was really surprised how good he looked. He just looked ready and it was a big boost for the whole group as he was priceless before the injury and he looks so sharp in this league. But I don’t expect him to be ready in two days for 90 minutes. But he looks much further on in finding his rhythm back than I thought he would be.' It will take time for Gruev to regain his full match sharpness. With the competition for places in midfield, Farke has the luxury of gradually reintegrating Gruev. However, the Whites' manager will face a significant decision when Gruev is fully fit. United have five senior midfielders on their roster: Gruev, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, and Josuha Guilavogui. \Captain Ampadu has been versatile, playing both at centre-back and in central midfield since returning from injury. Farke has described Ampadu as his 'most important player', suggesting Ampadu will likely be a mainstay in the midfield engine room. Much of Farke's system revolves around control and minimizing risks. Ampadu provides the necessary bite and physicality that is crucial to Farke's desired playing style. A key characteristic shared by Ampadu, Rothwell, and Tanaka is their adaptability. Rothwell and Tanaka demonstrated their ability to perform effectively in deeper midfield roles after Ampadu and Gruev sustained injuries within a four-day span. Gruev's value was evident in the second half of the previous season as Leeds embarked on an impressive unbeaten run, positioning them for automatic promotion. It may be a case of Gruev needing to patiently await an opportunity to reclaim his starting spot. Farke could potentially accommodate more midfielders by deploying Ampadu back into defense, although he seems hesitant to do so based on the FA Cup tie against Harrogate Town, or by moving Rothwell into the No 10 position. It is unlikely he will opt to advance Rothwell higher up the pitch, leading to Brenden Aaronson being relegated to the bench. Aaronson has been a consistent fixture in the starting lineup this season. One thing is certain: some talented players will find themselves on the bench in the coming weeks and months. Competition is fierce! \Get Leeds United news to your phone with our WhatsApp community Want the inside track on transfers? There's now a way you can get breaking news and the best reads sent straight to your device. By joining the Leeds United community on WhatsApp, you'll see the biggest and best stories as soon as they happen. It's quick and easy to join. Just click this link and select 'Join Community' to get started. No one else in the community will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the Leeds Live sports team. We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group'. You can read our Privacy Notice here.
LEEDS UNITED Ilia Gruev Midfield Daniel Farke Ethan Ampadu Ao Tanaka Joe Rothwell Josuha Guilavogui FA CUP Football
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