It was a good night for Leeds United’s two players in National Team action as Manor Solomon helped Israel beat Belgium in a surprise win, while Max Wober finally returned to the pitch.
Since returning to Leeds following his loan at Gladbach last season, Wober has endured a difficult few months. A knee injury which required surgery came after a hamstring issue suffered by the defender.
It has limited Wober to just one solitary Leeds appearance this term and it came in the 3-0 hammering by Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup. Otherwise, he has been warming the bench for Daniel Farke’s side.
Wober says he understands why he is not starting for Leeds, with the Austria star also saying he knows he needs to replace Pascal Struijk. Wober also ruled out leaving Elland Road in the January transfer window.
Austrian media rave about Wober after 1-1 draw against Slovenia
Wober won his 30th cap for Austria on Sunday night, as Ralf Rangnick chose to put him into the side from the start. Wober was an unused sub in Austria’s first game of the break, a 2-0 win over Kazakhstan.
Just his third outing of the season for club and country, Wober was excellent for an Austria side that really should have won the game but ended up drawing 1-1. Austria site Kurier gave him their best rating, a 1.
“When he had a lot of possession, his main task was to hold the position. When he had to fight a duel, he won. Up front, he shone with a great counter-attack pass. Austria’s best player that evening,” Kurier said.
Max Wober’s stats for Austria against Slovenia, passing superb
It was Wober’s first outing since the start of September, when he played in the reverse fixture against Slovenia. But you would not have been able to tell, as the Leeds star impressed for Rangnick’s side.
Max Wober’s stats for Austria against Slovenia:
- 90 minutes, FotMob rating of 7.8
- 119 touches (second-highest), 98 successful passes, 105 attempted (93%)
- 12 defensive actions, two tackles, three interceptions
- Eight duels won (highest), 11 duels attempted
If Farke was watching, he will have been impressed. Not only did Wober shine, but it also shows that he is fit and ready to go if required. The busy Christmas period is up next and Wober is likely to be required.
Farke now knows he will not only be throwing Wober into the side, if needed, without game time. But he also knows that he can rely on the former Salzburg man to maintain a standard in the Leeds defence.
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