Daniel Farke says Leeds United player is ‘proving his worth’ despite criticism when he moved to Elland Road in the summer

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Daniel Farke has been the author of some wonderful signings at Leeds United since joining the club in the summer of 2023, as he looks to build a squad capable of achieving promotion.

Certainly, the current squad look capable. Leeds sit top of the Championship table ahead of Sunderland and Sheffield United on goal difference, even with Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Largie Ramazani injured.

Leeds might have sold Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter in the summer for huge amounts of cash and replaced them with cheaper options, but Leeds are a point better off this season.

Farke has signed the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle, Ramazani, Ao Tanaka and plenty of other excellent players shining under the German’s guidance. Another is currently “proving his worth”.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke says no-one believed in Leeds United player before he joined

Daniel Farke says there was criticism when Joe Rothwell joined

The 29-year-old technician’s arrival came out of the blue. A player that had spent the second half of last season on loan at Southampton from Bournemouth, an unused sub in the play-off final for The Saints.

Farke spoke about Rothwell in his press conference on Monday and said there were doubts regarding the midfielder when he first joined. But he points to his form now since coming into the side, which is solid.

“There was criticism of Rothwell [when we signed him]. Southampton played with three midfielders, he was never in the starting line-up, how will he be good enough for us? Proving his worth at the moment.”

Joe Rothwell is giving Leeds a different dimension in midfield

Last season, Leeds managed just two goals from their four midfield options in the Championship. Captain Ampadu failed to score in the league, but scored twice in the FA Cup win over League One Peterborough.

Glen Kamara failed to score, Archie Gray scored one deflected effort and Gruev netted a free-kick in the play-off semi-finals against Norwich. It is something Farke tried to change, bringing in Rothwell on loan.

While he is yet to score, Rothwell is giving Leeds more of an attacking impetus from midfield. The stats above show it, and Neil Redfearn says Rothwell is giving Leeds a new dimension as he stars in midfield.