Daniel Farke appears to have already settled on his Leeds United back four for the season.
Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Junior Firpo have started all four matches together so far, with Leeds keeping clean sheets in the last three.
There were some doubts about Farke’s decision to keep Ethan Ampadu at centre-back after his impressive performance with Rodon in the second part of the season.
Despite Struijk’s absence, Farke made it obvious that the Dutchman will be an important part of Leeds’ future, and his return has been nothing short of seamless.
With Ampadu securely back in his best midfield role, Isaac Schmidt, Sam Byram, and Max Wober are presently vying for a spot in the team.
Journalist makes claim about Max Wober in Leeds.
Providing everyone remains fit, it is difficult to predict when Schmidt, Byram, or Wober will be able to get a sustained run in the side.
Given Byram’s age and history of fitness concerns, this is most likely the role he expected when his contract was extended for one year in the summer.
Schmidt, coming from Switzerland, is likely to have recognized the need to be patient in his search for chances, but the case is slightly different with Wober.
Wober was signed for £11 million by Leeds when they were still in the Premier League and has spent his whole career as a top-flight defender, including a loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach last season.
As a result, Wober will be surprised to learn that he is now second choice for a Championship club, despite having yet to play a single minute of league action.
While his only game in the Carabao Cup did not help him break into the team, transfer expert Graeme Bailey believes he has the ability to be the top defender in the division if given the opportunity.
He said: “During the summer, he thought he’d be returning to the top flight, but he’s already a top flight player. We know he is. Could Rodon and Wober be Leeds’ future centre-back partnership? I wouldn’t rule that out; it’s a Premier League matchup.
“But Wober can play holding midfield, and against some of the better teams, he could start with Ampadu in there. I believe Wober will play an important role; if he can flip his head, he has the potential to be the best defender in the division.”
Wober’s comments about being second choice at Leeds
Wober is now on international duty with Austria, where he hopes to gain experience and improve his match sharpness.
In an interview this week, the Leeds man was asked how he is doing as a second choice, and he stated he is willing to be patient due to the form of others.
He stated, “We are three central defenders with extremely similar abilities. If we continue to be successful and nothing occurs, I wouldn’t change much as a coach. So I’ll have to stand back and wait for my chance.
“I’m at Leeds, which is a great fit for me. I never stated that I certainly wanted to leave. I accepted the challenge, but I know it will be difficult to regain my previous status.
“The opportunity to play in the Premier League again is fantastic since, on paper, we have the best team and a diverse group. Our goal is obviously promotion.”
