Aidy White says one Leeds player is underrated, 23-year-old doesn’t get the praise he deserves

Add as preferred source on Google

Tuesday night was arguably one of Ilia Gruev’s worst performances since coming into the Leeds United side after the turn of the year – but only because of the high standards he’s set for himself.

Leeds got back to winning ways but were made to work hard for it by Stoke City at Elland Road, with Dan James scoring the only goal of the game. Gruev started his tenth consecutive Championship match.

Nine of which, he has seen out the entire 90 minutes. The left-footed star has come into the side with Ethan Ampadu playing at centre-back, and not looked back. The Bulgarian renowned for his passing.

Often, the star completes almost every single one of his passes, or he misplaces one or two. That is the kind of high bar Gruev has set – so, misplacing seven of 46 passes on Tuesday is certainly a step down.

But, it is not as if Gruev had a bad game. He was where he needed to be for much of the game – making four tackles and four interceptions (WhoScored). Aidy White told BBC Radio Leeds that he’s underrated.

“I said to Popey [Adam Pope] mid-commentary, we haven’t had to mention him. He’s there when you need him. Since he’s come in, he’s almost kept Ampadu out from playing in that centre-midfield role.

“Ampadu has been terrific, but Gruev has nailed it. He goes a little bit unnoticed and he doesn’t get the attention or credit he deserves. Puts in a big tackle, not huge but he’s got a lot of heart,” White said.

Aidy White says Leeds midfielder Ilia Gruev is so underrated

He is, no doubting it. Gruev doesn’t do anything spectacular, but he is in the side for two reasons. To keep things ticking over in possession, connecting the defence to the midfield and our attacking players.

The other reason, is to disrupt opposition play. To stop their transition, especially when Leeds players are out of position. He did that superbly against Stoke, with his four tackles and four interceptions.

If Leeds are to get promoted and finish in the top two this season, then Gruev will be key to anything Leeds do. He is proving to be one of Daniel Farke’s best signings, at a bargain fee of just £4m.