Daniel Farke’s senior squad at Leeds United is thin and it might not be long before the German is forced, or tempted, to delve into the club’s Under-21 squad for depth.
Leeds are lacking in options at centre-back and in central midfield due to injury, while there is a lack of cover even when the entire squad is fit in attacking midfield with Brenden Aaronson the only natural 10.
Injuries to Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Max Wober has forced Farke to consider signing a free agent. The Leeds boss is considering a few options without a club currently, instead of luring in a young star.
But that is not to say Farke is unwilling to consider some of his young gems. In the summer, six talents joined Leeds’ senior side on the trip to Germany but an exciting 17-year-old was overlooked.
Rhys Chadwick shines for Leeds U21’s in Luca Thomas’ absence
Last week, the 21’s suffered two big blows. The loss of Cian Coleman to Buxton on loan and top scorer Luca Thomas, who has joined York on loan. Thomas scored on his debut for National League side York.
Scott Gardner’s side returned to action without Thomas and Coleman on Monday night in the Premier League Cup against Stockport County, coming from behind to win 3-1 largely thanks to one player.
Rhys Chadwick has stepped up for the 21’s of late. Still only 17, he scored a gorgeous free-kick and laid on two more assists from the no.10 role on Monday night and now has eight goals and assists in four.
Daniel Farke has got to consider senior call-up for Rhys Chadwick
It is not simply because Chadwick is showing some dazzling form. His free-kick was perfectly placed, his corner for Jeremiah Mullen’s header pinpoint, and his flick for Joe Richards was superbly flamboyant.
Daniel Farke’s options for no.10 role:
- Brenden Aaronson
- Wilfried Gnonto (first-choice on the right)
- Manor Solomon (naturally a left-winger, competing with Largie Ramazani)
- Joe Rothwell (one of only two options in holding midfield)
- Ao Tanaka (like Rothwell)
- Rhys Chadwick
Chadwick has caught the eye with his recent form but the reason Farke has to consider a call-up for the 2007-born Leeds talent is because he is a natural no.10, and The Whites lack cover for USA’s Aaronson.
Of course, Farke will be well aware of the form Chadwick has produced in his last four U21 outings. But whether Farke is brave enough to give Chadwick a call-up remains to be seen, though he deserves it.
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