Daniel Farke has one simple Leeds United line-up change to make – but solution is not clear
It seems obvious one player needs to be replaced, but who to replace him with is not such a straight-forward call
Despite their frustration at not being able to sign a fifth wide attacking player on deadline day, Leeds United’s management thinks they have a decent wing depth with five possibilities.
In the lineup selection on Saturday, the issue of reality was exposed. Due to Daniel James’s lack of fitness, Brenden Aaronson was chosen to play on the right. It’s true that the American performed better there during preseason than in the number 10 position.
Following a new injury setback for Leeds United, Daniel Farke confesses to the move of Illan Meslier.
On the other hand, it appeared that he was viewed as being lower on the right side than both James and Wilfried Gnonto. Aaronson was chosen over Fulham based on work rate since he impressed the boss during recent training.
Because of the uncertainty surrounding the 24-year-old’s spot on the roster for the World Cup next year, he was not called up to the US squad for this month’s internationals. Wilfried Gnonto likewise remained at base during this stoppage, although he only entered the game after James, the substitute, was hurt.
The theory is that Aaronson provided more pitch coverage and defensive steadiness. Although he is unquestionably good at running and pressuring, his defensive output this season is actually worse than Gnonto’s.
Despite playing 36 more minutes this season, both Gnonto and Aaronson have recorded nine tackles, with Gnonto recording seven and Aaronson six. Gnonto has made two more interceptions than Aaronson overall (11 vs. 9) but Aaronson has made five blocks compared to his teammate’s two.
In addition, Gnonto has tried five shots compared to Aaronson’s one and completed a greater percentage of passes. Interestingly, though, Aaronson has been more effective in attacking production.
Aaronson’s only attempt was on goal, but he might have done better when he scooped the ball at Leno shortly after halftime on Saturday. Gnonto’s efforts were all off target. He has made six take-on attempts, four of which have been successful. This is only one in ten for Gnonto.
However, without context, we can scatter statistics around the desk. The eye test is clear, after all. Aaronson lost the physical fight against Fulham, but he won a few ground duels; that’s just what transpired after that.
Although he had the highest pass success rate among the front three (82.6%), the majority of his 17 attempts went backwards or sideways. One of them, the cross that Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed at Leno, was a “key” pass forward.
Because of his audacity, Gnonto’s attacking statistics are distorted. He has made an effort to take chances or take shots from the angle during his outings. Leeds will require difference-makers because they lack bite at the top.
Although he is more likely to be wrong, Gnonto is also the most likely to succeed. And we must not overlook his defensive efforts.
When both are healthy, the more important question is whether he should replace James rather than Aaronson. Gnonto would obviously be able to take advantage of Wolves’ wing-backs this weekend more effectively than Aaronson, and James is doubtful for this Saturday due to his knock.
He may be able to usurp James now. To be honest, since suffering a hamstring injury at the end of the previous season, the Welshman has not been playing at his best.
His five shots to date have all missed the mark, and he has a pass accuracy of 46%, which is significantly lower than Gnonto’s 77.5%. Moreover, James has only made one successful tackle to date.
Although James’ take-on success percentage is higher than Gnonto’s, this is only one out of four attempts. The shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, which for James are 2.11 and for Gnonto are 1.87, may be the primary distinction in Farke’s perspective.
In the end, attackers need to create gaps and scoring opportunities, and James excels at doing so. In this case, it is unclear who is currently the best choice for a right-wing.
James was the most notable candidate following a stellar season the previous year, but since his injury, things have not seemed to be going well. Another factor that can be causing his stagnation is a shift in the opposition’s quality and system.
Ultimately, it is unclear who should be given the right call, and it may be necessary to use different wingers against different teams.
The more general query is if Gnonto, James, and Aaronson are good enough to keep Leeds in the game. The recruitment team’s thorough analysis will either be made fun of or justified by them.
