Daniel Farke says £5m Leeds player is so ‘smart in his decision-making’

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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has given his verdict on the performance of Ilia Gruev against Cardiff City.

Farke has said that Gruev was “outstanding” in the Championship match at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.

So, what has Daniel Farke said about Leeds United youngster Ilia Gruev? Let’s take a look.

Daniel Farke praises Leeds United star Ilia Gruev

Well, Leeds United got the better of Cardiff City 3-0 away from home at the Cardiff City Stadium in the Championship on Saturday.

English striker Patrick Bamford was among the goalscorers for Leeds, who are aiming to win promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke included Gruev in the starting lineup. The 23-year-old was deployed as one of the two holding midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Gruev was one of the best players on the pitch. He was brilliant in his role as a defensive midfielder.

The Bulgaria international shielded the Leeds back-line well and did not allow anyone to get past him.

The 23-year-old made the right challenges at the right time and passed the ball well.

It was a very accomplished display from the £5 million midfielder (The Yorkshire Evening Post), and Leeds head coach Farke was impressed.

Farke told Leeds Live about Gruev: “His only problem was playing at CB today: Ampadu, one of our stand-out players, never had any problems and that has meant Ilia has had to wait. Gruev outstanding today and in the cup too.

“Top player with top mentality. Highest distance of all players on the pitch. Smart in his decision-making. Recovers ball really well. Good for the balance of the game. Needed Ethan elsewhere today and it was Ilia’s time to shine.”

My View: Ilia Gruev will play his role in promotion quest

Ilia Gruev joined Leeds United from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2023.

The 23-year-old has not been a regular in the starting lineup, but he has done well when he has turned out, as he did against Cardiff City on Saturday.

The Bulgaria international defensive midfielder has made three starts and nine substitute appearances in the Championship for Leeds this season.

Leeds are aiming to win automatic promotion to the Premier League, and I think that Gruev will play his role in that quest in the coming weeks and months.