‘Crucial’… Daniel Farke names two players who have been so important to Leeds United recently

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Leeds United head into Friday night’s crucial match with Leicester City on the back of an eight-match unbeaten run.

The Whites have a 100 per cent record since the turn of the New Year and 2024 has certainly been the time for some of the fringe players to come to the fore after a difficult first half of the season.

Ilia Gruev is among those to have made his mark on the team and has started the last 10 matches in all competitions, deputising for the injured Pascal Struijk, with Ethan Ampadu having dropped to centre-back.

Struijk was a crucial player under Daniel Farke up until picking up an injury during the Boxing Day defeat to Preston North End, and his absence has certainly been longer than expected.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Farke believes Ampadu and Gruev have both performed at a top level in order to fill the void left by the ‘outstanding’ injured Struijk.

Farke praises Gruev and Ampadu

He said: “During this spell they were crucial in their positions but it doesn’t take anything away, Ethan was also fantastic in the holding midfielder role. Pascal was outstanding when he was fit and Ethan higher up the pitch. Shouldn’t take anything away from Ilia or Ethan’s performances.

“I think overall this consistency is especially due to our work on the training pitch. Small details and just a few per cent can make a huge difference in football. The longer we are working against the ball, to be absolutely compact, to defend set pieces in a proper way.

“The more time we have together the easier it is to improve. Also the same in possession and with the ball. This consistency and to not have too many changes is beneficial.”

Having started just two matches in his first four months as a Leeds player, Gruev’s ability was a mystery to everyone, but not anymore.

The 23-year-old has been brilliant since coming into midfield and has undoubtedly made it easier for Ampadu dropping back into the defence, though he himself has been very good. Leeds have conceded just one goal in eight matches.

Farke had positive news to bring on Struijk’s injury earlier today and when he does come back, he certainly has a big decision to make as to who starts.