Good Morning. It’s Thursday 12th October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Have Leeds found their next Pablo
Graham Smyth, the Chief Football Writer for the Yorkshire Evening Post, has spoken out about the incredible transformation of Georginio Rutter, under Daniel Farke this season.
Georginio, a £35m buy from Hoffenheim ten months ago, had been looked upon as a costly mistake by many until that is, Daniel Farke got his hands on him. He arrived at Elland Road as a wide right inverted winger, who liked to cut inside, but in the space of just over three months has been modified into an exciting center forward, with an astonishing creative influence.
So far this season, the 21yo has already created 10 big chances for his team mates. To put that into perspective, Jack Harrison (our leading inventive player during our promotion winning campaign) managed 17 all season.
Leeds have seriously lacked creative influence ever since Pablo Hernandez left two years ago, perhaps they have found their man, albeit by accident?
The lure of working with Mourinho was too great
Rasmus Kristensen has revealed that the lure of working with Jose Mourinho was a major factor in his decision making to Roma on loan this Summer.
After a poor start, the great Dane was omitted from Mourinho’s European campaign, but he is starting to find his feet. He has five league starts, and two substitute appearances under his belt, amassing 422 minutes of game time, and his performances are getting better.
“He’s a fantastic coach. That’s one reason why I chose to go to Rome. He’s one of the greatest coaches in history who has won everything there is to win. And he has that aura too. For me, he’s a coach who is at the very top. So, of course, I wanted to try to work with him. So far, it has been totally cool and educational.”
Farke may have unlocked new attacking strategy
Daniel Farke’s inspired decision to switch Archie Gray to right back last weekend may have inadvertently have given the gaffer far more options pushing forward.
Although Gray has operated at right-back for England youth before, it was a risky strategy for Farke, especially when going up against a forward four years his senior, already with a quartet of goals to his name. The experiment proved to be a renowned success; not only did Gray keep Sam Bell quiet all match, but he continued to link up well with Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara in the centre of the park.
By Gray ‘tucking inside’, it allowed Dan James to operate in a wider position without unbalancing the team’s overall shape. Having that attacking prowess and pace down the wing will terrify the wing-backs in the Championship, giving Rutter and Piroe more freedom in central attacking positions. According to Farke:-
