Former Leeds United target Nadiem Amiri reacts to Josuha Guilavogui debut against Plymouth
An ex-Whites target named Nadiem Amiri responded to the defensive midfielder’s joy when Josuha Guilavogui made his Leeds United debut during a 3-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle.
In the Championship, Leeds easily defeated a struggling Plymouth Argyle team 3-0 at Elland Road, securing their second-place standing ahead of Burnley’s matchup with Millwall later today.
Leeds dominated the first half and ended the match with three goals in seven minutes before halftime. Joel Piroe doubled the lead just two minutes after Dan James started the score with a strong shot into the top corner from the area’s fringe.
After the ball broke free in the box, Brenden Aaronson calmly tucked home the third goal to cap off an impressive first half display. After that, Leeds was able to add three debutants late in the second half as Daniel Farke’s team easily won.
At 3-0, they were so at ease that Guilavogui was joined in action by Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers. The latter joined on October 23 but was not utilised as a substitute in his matchday squad debut against Bristol City. His complete debut came at the perfect time to join the team.
Although he had a great debut, he was introduced in the final fifteen minutes of the match. Guilavogui won six of his eight duels, completed 22 of 23 passes, and made all three of his tackles, according to FootMob. The 34-year-old’s 29 touches during his brief but impactful 15-minute cameo demonstrated his eagerness to jump right in.
Josuha Guilavogui and Nadiem Amiri react to Leeds debut
Following the long-term injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, the Whites were looking for a defensive midfielder. Numerous names were associated with a transfer to Elland Road, but it soon became clear that Farke preferred Guilavogui. He ultimately signed a contract with Leeds till the conclusion of the season.
No Leeds supporter would advocate for Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell to be replaced right now, but they can’t be expected to play every minute. Based on his Plymouth performance, the seasoned utility player should provide adequate cover. Thanks to his extensive experience, he met Amiri at 1.Mainz FSV 05.
Guilavogui was on the same team as Mateusz Klich at Wolfsburg and played with Kevin De Bruyne during his breakthrough season. In July 2023, the Bundesliga team fired him. That summer, he was signed by Mainz, a German team, with whom he played just 12 games the previous season, including six starts.
He expressed how he felt about making his debut on Instagram. “What a day to start with all of YOU!” remarked Guilavogui. It’s more than just an anthem—Marching on Together!
“I’ll memorise it quickly .” Leeds United is up next.Thank you so much MOT.
Leeds had previously targeted Amiri before he joined Mainz from
Josuha Guilavogui’s Career Stats – As Per Transfermarkt | ||||||
Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists | |||
Saint-Etienne | 120 | 9 | 7 | |||
Atletico Madrid | 7 | 0 | 0 | |||
VFL Wolfsburg | 265 | 12 | 6 | |||
Bordeaux | 15 | 1 | 1 | |||
1.FSV Mainz 05 | 12 | 0 | 1 | |||
Leeds United | 1 | 0 | 0 | |||
France | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Josuha Guilavogui’s potential impact at Leeds
Guilavogui brings a cool head to the first team, as Tanaka and Rothwell are the only senior figures available in midfield right now. The former France international, who won seven caps for his country, will bring a wealth of experience to the West Yorkshire team, having played for Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, and Bordeaux over the years. Leeds were in a difficult situation regarding their deeper midfield options, with Ampadu out until close to January and Gruev possibly not returning with the first team until closer to March.Leeds
needed a guy who can play both defensive midfield and centre back with ease, as Rothwell and Tanaka lack the defensive mentality of a player like Guilavogui. The primary concern with some midfield alternatives is whether they possess the defensive stability to fill in for Ampadu and Gruev in every midfield scenario over the long run.
Amiri, who has so far been a successful addition to Mainz, is likely to anger a lot of Leeds supporters with his response after he rejected the club’s offer to remain in Germany’s top division last summer.