‘Been growing’: Daniel Farke says £4m Leeds United player has improved so much in training

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Ilia Gruev has started the last three games for Leeds United and sparkled as Daniel Farke’s men continue to put pressure on the top three – and the German has applauded his new midfield general.

A £4m signing from Werder Bremen in the summer, Gruev has had to wait for a chance. Only two starts before the turn of the year. But then, two league starts in a row, with injuries in the middle of defence.

Wins over both Cardiff City and then Preston, have seen Gruev not only start – but last the entire 90 minutes. Ethan Ampadu is deputising for the injured Pascal Struijk in defence, given Gruev a chance.

He’s grabbing it with both hands and having starred in the last two league games, Gruev earned praise in Tuesday’s press conference on the club’s YouTube. Farke praised the Leeds star’s hard-working ethic.

Both behind the scenes – as the first one in and the last one out – and, that he covers more distance than any other player on the pitch, teammates and opposition. He is starting to prove his £4m price tag.

“No one covers more distance. Solid, reliable, rare mistakes in possession, good on the ball, disciplined, professional, top work ethic. If you are like this on the pitch, you can imagine he is like this off of it.

“From the first day, humble, modest, down to earth, hard working, patient. The first one in and the last one out. Always wanted extra work, he is one of the most-professional players i have ever worked with.”

Daniel Farke blown away by Leeds star Ilia Gruev’s work ethic

Gruev has been sensational in the past two games, also earning praise from former Leeds manager Neil Redfearn. But, when everyone is fit, does he start? You would imagine he would return to the bench.

Glen Kamara and Ampadu have formed a near-unbreakable bond in the middle and with Archie Gray on the right, it is going to be difficult for Gruev to break in long term. But, he is doing everything he can.