Daniel Farke has shared an update on how close Largie Ramazani is to being able to start again for Leeds United.
Ramazani has been back in the squad for Leeds‘ last two matches but only got his first taste of action for just over a month in Wednesday night’s 3-0 victory over Luton.
The 23-year-old had been out of action for around five weeks after sustaining ankle ligament damage in a 2-1 win over Watford, a game in which he scored and started like a house on fire.
However, it certainly did not take Ramazani long to get back up to speed. He replaced Brenden Aaronson in the number 10 role and immediately looked a threat with his pace and dribbling.
In fact, such was the quality Ramazani showed, Neil Redfearn hailed him and Leeds‘ other three wingers as Premier League level.
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Farke hails Largie Ramazani quality amid fitness update
At the time of Ramazani’s injury, he had looked like Leeds’ best winger and an absolute staple in the starting XI.
Both Manor Solomon and Dan James were just coming back from injury at that point, and looking a long way from their best.
However, in the weeks Ramazani has been out, both Solomon and James have been excellent, particularly since the break. Solomon scored twice in the win at Swansea and was then equally as impressive against Luton, while James has a goal and three assists in the last two.
As such, even with the quality Ramazani evidently has, he does face a fight to reclaim his spot in the starting line-up, which Farke says he should be in contention for next weekend against Derby County.
He said: “Yes he was out for several weeks and just back in team training since more or less a few days. I was happy to be able to give him 10 minutes, perhaps not in the most complicated period of the game.
“He showed some glimpses, especially offensive wise also that he is an important player for us. Once he is back to full fitness then he is a top class player for us, but he needs a bit of time.
“So for this week I mentioned he won’t be a topic for the starting line-up, but to play with him he has a little bit of magic around him and sometimes also a creative touch, can create something out of nothing, it’s a good option to have on the bench.
“Obviously this two days more in training will help him a bit in order to be perhaps ready for more than 10 minutes, but for the starting line-up I think it’s too early.”
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What is Leeds’ current strongest front four?
There won’t be many who envy Farke when it comes to selecting his first choice front four, when everyone is fully fit and available.
That said, Ramazani should arguably be the first name on it, with his run of six starts before injury showing what a top class player he is at this level.
And as harsh as this maybe on Brenden Aaronson, in order to fit Ramazani in, it may have to be central.
Dan James looks like Leeds’ best right-wing option, but Farke did admit after the win over Luton that his best comes against sides who don’t sit on the edge of their own box, meaning rotation will be aplenty.
Wilfried Gnonto probably edges it over Manor Solomon on the left, but as mentioned previously, certain matches will suit certain players. Joel Piroe now feels like Farke’s first choice number nine.
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