Over the last 18 months, Daniel Farke and the Leeds United recruitment team have worked wonders in the transfer market – even if they failed to sign any new players in January.
Compared to the previous 12 months under Victor Orta, it is night and day. Instead of flops like Rasmus Kristensen, Weston McKennie and Marc Roca, Leeds have added some real Premier League quality.
Ethan Ampadu has already become captain, Joe Rodon has become a stalwart at the back and arguably, Manor Solomon is the Championship’s best player. Joel Piroe has 27 goals and eight assists for Leeds.
Ao Tanaka is likely to be seen as the best bit of business, costing just £3.5m but arguably worth six times that already. However, Daniel Farke thinks one player signed for nothing is one of this best signings.
Daniel Farke delivers verdict on “unbelievable” Josuha Guilavogui
Most of Farke’s signings have been 26 years or younger, experienced yet young. But he was forced to change tact after injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, bringing in Josuha Guilavogui on a free.
A seven-time France ace with Atletico Madrid, Wolfsburg and others on his CV, the midfielder has come in to provide cover. Quickly, he developed a relationship with fans thanks to his social media posts.
Now, Farke has shared how Guilavogui operates behind the scenes at Elland Road. He says that the way he trains and looks after himself is “inspiring”, and the “perfect example” to Leeds’ young players.
Asked what Guilavogui has brought to Leeds, Farke said: His quality as a player. 300 Bundesliga games, French side in their prime, seven caps for France. Says a lot about his quality. Right now, a bit older and not in his prime. But leaders are naturally born, and this is what Josuha does.
“Not just with words, but how he acts as a role model. He’s unbelievable professional, he prepares for every training session as if it was a Champions League final. He is one of the last to leave training because he looks after his body, he is the perfect example for all my players but especially the young players.
“He has played many, many important games, with world-class players. To prepare for each and every session, matchday +1 sessions for a Championship side, to deliver what he does with a smile on his face and encouraging everyone, this is pretty inspiring,” Farke continued, discussing Guilavogui.
“He is often there with a little speech or some insight. This is what we need. A joy to work with him, one of my best decisions to bring him in. He is one of my best signings at Leeds,” Farke summarised.
Josuha Guilavogui likely to earn second start for Leeds this week
Guilavogui might have clocked up 14 appearances for Leeds but in 12 of them, he has not exceeded more than 10 minutes. Once he started in the FA Cup against Harrogate and he got 15 minutes vs Plymouth.
But with Leeds playing on Wednesday night and then again next Tuesday in the club’s pursuit to go up at the end of the season, rotation is likely when Leeds play Millwall on Saturday in the FA Cup fourth round.
Guilavogui could win his second start, with his contribution towards promotion mostly coming off the pitch. Certainly, Guilavogui is confident Leeds will be promoted come the end of the 2024-25 season.
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