Daniel Farke makes Zinedine Zidane comparison about Leeds player after what he did vs Burnley

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Daniel Farke has hit back at critics suggesting Leeds United lack creativity by comparing one of his attackers to Zinedine Zidane.

Farke’s tactics have come under the spotlight this week after Leeds’ first defeat of the season against Burnley on Saturday.

Aside from a couple of big chances for Mateo Joseph and Wilfried Gnonto, Leeds created virtually nothing throughout the match, with the second half particularly toothless.

Just like on numerous occasions last season, Leeds simply could not find the answers to a side defending deep, which is a cause for concern considering plenty more sides will adopt those tactics this season.

After failing to sign another number 10, Farke will have to find the answer to that problem himself, though he is not quite in agreement with what the critics have said.

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Farke makes Zidane comparison with Brenden Aaronson

In each of the last three matches, Brenden Aaronson has been handed a start in that central attacking midfield role.

Aaronson has performed well in each of them but it would not be unfair to say his best attribute isn’t finding that killer pass, but more his dribbling and pressing.

Having said that, Aaronson was the only Leeds player on the pitch who managed to open Burnley up with a through ball, which set up Gnonto’s huge chance.

Speaking in his pre-Cardiff City press conference, Farke believes no one would be talking about Leeds’ lack of creativity had Gnonto stuck that away, comparing the quality of the pass to that of Zidane.

He said: “If Willy scores this goal, everyone speaks about Brenden Aaronson, what a Zinedine Zidane pass, he’s our new No. 10. Brenden played an unbelievable pass but we didn’t put the ball into the rectangle so there’s lots of criticism.

“I know how this business works and how the mood is after a game when we don’t score a goal. I’m not annoyed, it doesn’t change anything that there’s some criticism.

“Norwich, Gladbach, attacking football, playing opponents off the park, then if there’s a game we don’t score, ‘oh, it’s boring, put the ball up front’. I don’t change for every single game. We have to play with our style, we’re not a second balls team.”

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Farke shares Manor Solomon Leeds injury update

Much of Leeds’ creativity actually comes from the wide positions but when so many players are defending centrally, it is more difficult for them to either find someone with a cross, or create space for a shot.

And Leeds could well be without their most impressive wideman over the last two matches, with Manor Solomon a fresh doubt due to a back injury.

Farke said: “Manor Solomon with some back problems. A few concerns but I’m carefully optimistic all of them will be available. Biggest question mark is Solomon.”