Leeds United’s Make-or-Break Moment: The Players Who Must Step Up for Daniel Farke

As Leeds United approaches the final eight games of the 2024/25 Championship season under manager Daniel Farke, the performances of key players will be pivotal in determining the club’s promotion aspirations. Here’s an honest assessment of the crucial contributors, highlighting both their strengths and areas for improvement:​

1. Joël Piroe (Forward)

Positives: Piroe leads Leeds’ scoring charts with 15 goals, demonstrating clinical finishing and intelligent positioning. His ability to convert chances has been instrumental in Leeds’ attacking success. ​He is the best finisher without a doubt in the Championship and has a great footballing mind.

Negatives: At times, Piroe has struggled with consistency, experiencing goal droughts that have impacted the team’s momentum. Enhancing his involvement in build-up play could also diversify Leeds’ attacking strategies.​ His pace really lets his general game down which brings his chances of playing in the Premier League regularly too a low degree of certainty . His aerial duels are none existent looking at the man rather than the ball, waiting for the contact to come in rather than battling to win first and second balls.

2. Dan James (Winger)

Positives: James has been among Leeds United’s best performers under Farke in the 2024/25 campaign. The winger is among the top goalscorers and highest assist providers in the division, having notched 19 goal involvements thus far (ten goals and nine assists). ​There isn’t anyone quicker than Dan at sprinting past defences. When he picks up a forward pass his pace is almost in many ways too quick for his brain to function what will happen next.

Negatives: Despite his contributions, James’ decision-making in the final third can be erratic, occasionally leading to squandered opportunities. Improving his composure could enhance his efficiency.​ Having said that James has definitely improved that this season in comparison to other years. One thing I would like James to focus on is trying to implement training on his left foot- his weak foot. I see a player who is fearless even in this department to use it when crossing a ball or shooting although, it doesn’t ever come off in the way he would like.

3. Brenden Aaronson (Midfielder)

Positives: Aaronson has contributed eight goals this season, showcasing his ability to drive forward and support the attack. His work rate and pressing are occasionally assets in Farke’s high-intensity system. ​Farke has put a lot of trust into believing he is an answer on the pitch but taking him out the fold might be the answer for Aaronson.

Negatives: Aaronson’s defensive contributions can be inconsistent, sometimes leaving gaps in midfield. Enhancing his tactical awareness could improve Leeds’ balance during transitions.​ His average rating has declined as the season has gone on and signs Farke must take him out of the side are pivotal if promotion is to be achieved.

It is still hard to see a future for Aaronson at Leeds; as a number ten it just isn’t working in the way it should be. Georginio Rutter scored seven league goals and crucially provided fifteen assists last season. In comparison, Aaronson has only contributed two assists this season and eight goals. I would have expected much more from him in all honesty. The best way to sum Aaronson up is he is everywhere but nowhere. Little contribution considering his work ethic is so high.

4. Pascal Struijk (Defender)

Positives: Struijk has been a defensive stalwart, providing leadership and stability at the back. His aerial prowess and tackling have been crucial in maintaining Leeds’ defensive record.​ His goal against Sunderland guided Leeds to a colossal victory in pursuit of Premier League Football. Wearing the armband when Ampadu is unavailable, showcases how highly he is rated by Farke from a leadership level and when fit he is a regular starter. There is till more to come from the towering centre half.

Negatives: Occasionally, Struijk has been prone to lapses in concentration, leading to defensive errors. Consistency and focus are areas for potential improvement.​

5. Jayden Bogle (Defender)

Positives: Bogle has added an attacking dimension from the back, contributing five goals this season. His overlapping runs and offensive support have been valuable in breaking down defences. ​As the season has progressed Jayden has demonstrated great adaptations at Leeds United having a light and shade within the side. Stronger links are starting to take place with confidence in both boxes looking stronger as each game passes.

Negatives: Bogle’s forward forays can sometimes leave defensive gaps, exposing Leeds to counter-attacks. Balancing his offensive and defensive duties is crucial.​ The odd misplaced tackle still seems to be an issue, leading opposition sides to offer greater risk winning set pieces, which primarily are the only way teams can punish Leeds.

6. Illan Meslier (Goalkeeper)

Positives: Meslier has been a reliable presence between the posts in past seasons proving on his day he has the ability, making crucial saves that have preserved Leeds’ leads. His shot-stopping ability has been a key factor in the team’s defensive solidity.​

Negatives: Meslier has been prone to occasional errors, including a notable mistake against Sheffield United that led to a goal. Improving his decision-making under pressure is essential. ​There have been many games this season where the danger light has been on him and critical points have been directed towards him. For all the experience he has got, the games against Sunderland, Hull City and Preston stand out the most. Six points dropped in those games which would have Leeds within touching distance of Promotion; with one foot in the Premier League.

7. Ethan Ampadu (Midfielder)

Positives: Ampadu’s versatility allows him to function effectively as a defensive midfielder, breaking up opposition play and providing a shield for the defence. His passing accuracy aids in transitioning from defence to attack as well as loving the odd long ball over the top to put the team through on goal, without having to see the team make needless passes to open up opposition defences..​ It is proven by the stats when Ampadu is in the side his general play and presence brings greater stability to the team which is massive in a side wanting to escape the division.

Negatives: Ampadu’s aggressive style can lead to unnecessary fouls and bookings, potentially putting the team at risk. Greater discipline in his challenges would benefit the team.​ Occasionally he does have lapses where he dives into tackles and loses misjudges them although, he is not afraid to be fully committed when it comes to defending his team being the Captain.

8. Manor Solomon (Forward)

Positives: Solomon has contributed seven goals this season, adding depth to Leeds’ attacking options. His dribbling skills and creativity have been instrumental in unlocking defences. ​You can see in Solomon’s attacking play he is a standout player in this division especially; having all the Premier League and European experience with the likes of Spurs and Shakhtar Donesk.

Negatives: Solomon’s defensive work rate is an area for improvement, as he sometimes neglects tracking back, leaving the team vulnerable on the flanks.​

As Leeds United enters this critical phase of the season, the ability of these key players to capitalise on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses will be crucial in achieving the club’s promotion objectives.

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