Ilia Gruev was brought into the Bulgaria setup in September 2022 as he starred for German side Werder Bremen but since, the Leeds United man has endured a dismal run of form with his National Team.
Gruev, 24, made his debut for Bulgaria at the beginning of last season – adjacent to the breakthrough season he enjoyed with Werder in the Bundesliga. He got off to a fantastic start, beating Gibraltar 5-1.
His first three caps were wins. But Gruev has now started all of Bulgaria’s last 12 matches, qualifying and friendlies, but has failed to stop the slide. Last night, Bulgaria were easily beaten by Albania, 2-0.
Nine games now, without a win – including six losses, four of which have come in Bulgaria’s last four outings. Something needs to change and Gruev is struggling to find the tools to provide it right now.
Leeds man Gruev cannot stop dismal Bulgaria run last night
With Leeds, the £4m summer signing is yet to make his first start and Bulgaria’s lack of form is hardly giving Gruev the platform to prove to Daniel Farke why he should be getting more of a chance in the XI.
Bulgaria’s recent, woeful form is summed up by their position in European qualifying. They sit bottom of a five-nation group, in Group E. Two points from six games. Lithuania and Montenegro ahead of them.
Something needs to change, and fast for Gruev and Bulgaria. The left-footed midfielder will now return to Elland Road as Farke prepares his men to take on his old side Norwich on Saturday at Carrow Road.
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