Daniel Farke knew just how important Leeds United’s win over Middlesbrough was on Tuesday night.
Boro had the chance to move just four points behind Leeds with a victory, but after the home side’s 3-1 success, there is now a nice cushion between the two sides.
Michael Carrick may have labelled Leeds as ‘Premier League’ quality after the match but there aren’t many away sides who have caused as many problems at Elland Road as Boro, even if they did only have six shots.
After each and every win, Leeds’ social media team always post a video of the players celebrating in the tunnel. However, such was the importance of the win, even Farke got involved this time.
Farke was extra praising of his players after the match, with Illan Meslier among those he spoke highly of.
Farke hails ‘decisive’ Dan James after Leeds win
The most difficult part of Farke’s team selections at the moment is trying to choose just two wingers from a group of four which is comfortably the best in the league.
It is quite clear they are all driving each other onto play better in order to avoid losing their place in the side, with both Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James on the scoresheet last night.
James was Leeds’ player of the match and after missing a really good opportunity, scored the winner for Farke’s side just moments later with an emphatic finish.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke believes James is a player who always produces in the ‘decisive moments’ for Leeds, having ‘improved his finishing a lot’ in his time at the club.
He said: “Key player. So important. Since I was his manager he has always chipped in with goals and assists. I know that was a criticism in his previous years. Always puts a shift in.
“Can drive the game forward. Decisive moments and crucial goals. The five or six-goal wins are good, but he is there in the 2-1 or 1-0 wins. Top-class human being. Special day for him.
“He has improved his finishing a lot. Missed chances in the first half. Deliveries too. This is a sign of his maturity. He is not affected by this, and he is really spot on still when it is needed.”
What is Leeds’ current strongest wing pairing?
With games coming thick and fast over the festive period, all four of Leeds’ wingers will be getting plenty of minutes in the coming weeks.
However, it must be very difficult for Farke to choose who to leave out. Largie Ramazani didn’t even get on the pitch against Boro, and he has been exceptional whenever he has played.
It does feel like if Farke had all four fully fit to choose from in a pivotal match that he would opt for last night’s goal scorers Gnonto and James.
However, Ramazani was Leeds’ best attacker when he got injured, while Solomon has also been impressive as of late. The best compliment you could play them is that Leeds aren’t any weaker regardless of the two that get the nod.
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