Ilia Gruev blew Daniel Farke’s expectations away this week and during Leeds United’s narrow victory over Harrogate Town in the FA Cup.
Leeds United just about scraped their way through in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday evening with a 1-0 win over local rivals Harrogate Town.
The neighbours were resolute and frustrated Daniel Farke’s side for an hour before they were finally breached, with Largie Ramazani nodding in the only goal of the game from Manor Solomon’s cross.
Leeds will discover their fourth round opponents in the draw on Sunday after Arsenal vs Manchester United.
Though it was a slender, hard-fought victory, Farke still came away with plenty of positives and was left particularly surprised by the returning Ilia Gruev.
Daniel Farke left impressed by returning Ilia Gruev
Gruev hadn’t played since going off after just 20 minutes in the draw with Norwich City on October 1, having started every single fixture before hand.
The Bulgarian suffered a serious knee injury that required surgery yet he has recovered with remarkable speed to return just over three months later.
Gruev came on in the closing stages against Harrogate to a rousing reception from the Elland Road faithful.
The 24-year-old looked sharp on his few touches of the ball and Farke has explained how he has been left ‘surprised’ by his progress and his work this past week.
Farke said in his post-match press conference: “I don’t believe in giving away gifts to youngsters in games like this.
“I do it when they deserve it and it really counts. I do not want to use that chance and then they are never seen again. Bringing back Ilia and Junior was important tonight.”
Touching on Gruev specifically, he continued: “Not sure if I would have involved him in league game. No gift. I am normally more careful.
“Had team sessions this week and looked so sharp. Surprised how good he looked. Worked very professionally to get back. He is much further on with rhythm than I expected.”
Gruev return a nice boost for Leeds
Going off Farke’s comments, it doesn’t sound like Gruev will be pushed straight back into the starting XI soon and nor should he.
Leeds have lost just twice in the 17 league games without him and have gone on a run that has seen them claim top spot in the Championship table.
Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka in particular have developed a good relationship in midfield in his absence.
Yet, with the fixtures piling up and the pressure mounting, Farke can use all the options he can get and Gruev is a big one.
His hopeful smooth return to full fitness will give Farke more ways to mix up the midfield and change games, which will come in very handy in those matches where Leeds are growing frustrated and kept at bay.
With the title race hotting up, it’s all hands on deck and Gruev’s superhuman recovery has come at a great time.
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