Daniel Farke will face some pretty difficult selection calls in the coming weeks as Leeds United close in on a fully fit squad.
Farke was able to call on Max Wober, Dan James, Mateo Joseph, Josuha Guilavogui and Dan James from the bench during the 3-0 victory over Luton Town, showing the strength-in-depth he has at his disposal.
That said, the vast majority of those players will have expectations of starting regularly for Leeds and so over the festive period Farke needs to ensure he keeps everyone fit and sharp.
Leeds have had their fair share of injury issues this season but seem to have overcome them in recent weeks, with only Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev now out.
Perhaps Farke’s biggest selection headache will come in attack, with Neil Redfearn claiming Leeds have four wingers all capable of playing in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke explains why he dropped Dan James for Leeds
Despite Farke hinting he would make changes to his starting XI against Luton, the Leeds boss made just the one alteration from the side that defeated Swansea City.
James provided a hattrick of assists in South Wales but was actually the only player to make way in what was an eyebrow raising selection.
However, Farke’s brave decisions once again paid dividends as he was able to use James as a last 20-minute sub, where his pace against tired defenders helped Leeds kill the game.
Farke was asked to share his reasons for dropping James in his post-match press conference and revealed it was simply down to him needing to be managed carefully.
He said: “Every decision makes me feel this way. Man of the match with Tanaka on Sunday. Problem before the game you do not know the outcome. Have to take many things into account. Three games in six days. Have to keep other players sharp. Quick players like him need to be managed against reinjury.
“Only winger who has played more than 90 minutes in the last game. Expected a deep-lying opponent, not quite his game. He needs space. Came in fresh and killed the game. Always hope to have the right decisions. Cannot afford to lose him. Necessary to do this.”
Leeds winger stats this season
As mentioned, Redfearn believes Farke has the four best wingers in the division this season, which makes his job managing them even harder.
However, it is hard to argue against him having done a good job so far, as all four are contributing and clearly happy with the game time they have received.
| Starts (sub) | Goals | Assists | |
| James | 7 (4) | 3 | 3 |
| Gnonto | 16 (1) | 3 | 5 |
| Ramazani | 6 (3) | 3 | 1 |
| Solomon | 5 (5) | 2 | 1 |
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