How much did Leeds United’s head coach Daniel Farke actually take away from last week’s FA Cup third-round win over Harrogate Town at Elland Road?
A performance that probably raised more questions than it answered.
An uninspiring, forgettable performance in which Leeds were forced to rely on a second-half goal from Largie Ramazani to defeat their well-drilled fourth-tier opponents.
However, Daniel Farke praised Joshua Guilavogui and Isaac Schmidt after the defensive combination began playing in different roles on Saturday evening. Two bright spots in a game with very few positives.
Guilavogui, a veteran former Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid defender, took over at center-back, while Schmidt, who had previously played on the left for Leeds United, switched flanks in the absence of Jayden Bogle.
Manor Solomon also assisted Ramazani’s 59th-minute goal, which came through the center with Brenden Aaronson rested.
Daniel Farke praises Isaac Schmidt but reminds Manor Solomon at Leeds United.
Farke, speaking as Leeds prepare to host Sheffield Wednesday in West Yorkshire on Sunday, says that Aaronson’s status is not under immediate threat from the Tottenham Hotspur loanee.
And, while he believes summer signing Schmidt has made significant development since the turn of the year, he is wary of getting too much comfort from a meeting with a team sitting 21st in the League Two standings.
“We still need to exercise caution. [We must remember] not to over-interpret the game against Harrogate,” Farke cautions, noting that Solomon’s match-winning assist came from the Israeli’s preferred left-sided position.
“Manor assisted on the goal while playing slightly wider on his native left side. Isaac is someone worth mentioning. [He] took a big step forward. However, we must remember that Harrogate was a spirited team, but they were not on our level or where we wanted to be.
“I don’t want to over-interpret Manor’s performance. He’s certainly an option [to play as a number 10], but there’s also Willy Gnonto, who can do the job.
“If Brenden maintains fit, he is the best option in this position compared to the others. I’m quite thrilled with him right now.”
Brenden Aaronson remains Farke’s top 10 candidate.
Leeds are expected to be at full strength as they face Danny Rohl’s mid-table Sheffield Wednesday side.
Daniel Farke confirmed that Joel Piroe is back after a minor injury. As a result, the Dutchman may start as number nine, with Aaronson, as he often does, ghosting into those delightful spaces behind the centre-forward.
Aaronson has only two assists this season. With seven goals to his record, the previously derided USA playmaker has proven to be an important tool in Farke’s attacking arsenal, thanks to his late surges into the penalty area.
“Manor interprets this [centra] role in a one-v-one way [while] Brenden is dangerous scoring but can set up a player,” Farke imagines. “We have several possibilities. We can always talk about more and other types of gamers.
“This team is undoubtedly at the top of the league. We are well-positioned for success.”
While Solomon is eager to sign a permanent contract, a long-term stay at Elland Road is likely to be determined by A] promotion prospects and B] Tottenham’s demands.
Diego Luna, the Real Salt Lake talisman and just crowned Major League Soccer Young Player of the Year, is being considered as a potential Solomon replacement by Leeds United.
