Daniel Farke says £4m man has been amazing in training, he’s tempted to play him

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Ilia Gruev has had a tough introduction to life at Leeds United following his move from Werder Bremen, failing to start for the Whites since – and Daniel Farke has explained why he is not playing for us, so far.

Gruev, 23, joined Leeds in the summer a day before deadline day – costing the club £4m. He joined us from Werder Bremen where beforehand he was a regular in Germany’s top tier. But is now, not playing.

The Bulgaria man has played more for his country than he has for Leeds – which is not hard. Gruev has only played three times for Leeds, coming on for a couple of minutes each time. Unused in four games.

Farke was asked about Gruev’s lack of game time and whether his minutes are dependant on whether Ethan Ampadu is able to play – and if, Gruev can play alongside him. He praised Gruev for his mentality.

“We will see [if he can play with Ampadu]. We have never done this, it is always up to be proven. It can’t be a yes or no, it is up to them to prove they can play together. I have to say, I’m really happy with Ilia.

“He has done fantastic. He came really late with little pre-season, really humble guy. I was tempted because he is training at a top level, to unleash him beforehand,” Farke said, when asked about Gruev.

“But there are others playing well in his position. Let’s be honest, Ethan, Archie, Glen have been superb. My gut feeling is he will play an important role for us,” the Leeds boss added, on the club’s YouTube.

Daniel Farke explains why Ilia Gruev is not playing for Leeds

Gruev finds himself in a tricky position. He is best-suited for the holding midfield role but he finds ahead of him, Ampadu. The Wales star has been fantastic. There is no way that Ampadu will be rested, if fit.

Ampadu is two yellows away from a suspension and that might be when Gruev comes in. Does he play with Ampadu? Unlikely, neither have the attacking ability to supplement the front four Leeds players.

But it is good to hear and get an update on the Bulgarian. It is good that he is training hard and even though he is not on the pitch, he is still making an impression on the manager. He gets a start, soon.