Leeds United returned after the international break with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Rotherham United last night.
The Whites had looked on the trail of a comfortable victory when Crysencio Summerville netted a sixth minute opener, but a sloppy performance from then on saw the home side earn a share of the spoils.
Too many of Leeds’ players were below their best at the New York Stadium, with the Welsh contingent in particular a little sluggish.
However, that is understandable considering it was only Tuesday they were playing a crucial European qualifier for their country, meaning they were unable to take part in a single training session.
Dan James has been in fine form in recent weeks for Leeds but he was a major contributing factor to the right side of the attack being virtually non-existent, which Daniel Farke should’ve spotted earlier.
Farke needs to start handing Gnonto more minutes
Farke waited until the 70th minute to make substitutions with Wilfried Gnonto, Patrick Bamford and Ian Poveda all introduced to hand Leeds some extra impetus.
Of the three, Gnonto made by far the biggest impact on the game and finally offered Leeds some quality down the right, with his cross leading to Jaidon Anthony’s disallowed goal.
Gnonto was able to keep the ball in tight areas and drift inside to sustain pressure on Rotherham’s goal, with Leeds only really looking dangerous in the second half when he was on the pitch.
With that in mind, Farke really needs to start handing him more minutes, whether that is bringing him off the bench earlier, or utilising him from the start in matches that may suit him better than James.
The 20-year-old should be full of confidence after his performances on international duty for Italy U21s and with a busy schedule coming up, he needs to be used more.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
