Having spent 18 months in the job, Daniel Farke is renowned for his tactical consistency when it comes to selecting his side – rarely changing players, and always sticking with his 4-2-3-1 system.
The Leeds boss clocked up his 75th game in charge on Saturday afternoon and in all 75 games, Daniel Farke has used a 4-2-3-1 system. Flying full-backs, one defensive midfielder next to a box-to-box player.
A creative no.10, two quick wingers and a striker that is not simply required to stand between the goal posts but one that can contribute to play during transition. Most players currently pick themselves.
Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell and Brenden Aaronson would have to be injured or suspended not to start for Leeds at the moment under Farke.
Leeds player thinks he can play further forward, Farke disagrees
Farke does not do risks and plays players in their positions. Max Wober came on at left-back on Saturday but that is only because Firpo picked up an injury and Sam Byram is currently out with a muscle injury.
Firpo is Leeds’ first-choice left-back but has been playing in a variety of different roles for The Dominican Republic. Whether that be in midfield, up front, left wing, left-back or playing surprisingly as a no.10.
Asked by Stuart Dallas on Sky Sports before Saturday’s win, Firpo said that Farke is well aware that he can play further forward – but does not believe him. Firpo believes Farke doesn’t trust him to play up top.
“He knows already, you [Stuart Dallas] know already I can play further up. But he doesn’t want me to play there, he says I get too excited when I go to my National Team and I play there,” Firpo told Sky Sports.
“He doesn’t believe me when I tell him I play in the number 10 role there, he doesn’t trust me. But I will continue to do my best from the wing and help the team,” the left-back continued before the 2-0 win.
Junior Firpo’s form since Daniel Farke arrived for club and country
Firpo is without doubt playing his best football since joining Leeds under the guidance of Farke. His first couple of years at Elland Road, following his £13m move from Barcelona, were blighted by many injuries.
Firpo’s attacking numbers since Farke’s arrival at Leeds
| Team | Games (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Leeds | 49 (41) | 2676 | 1 | 11 | 223.0 |
| Dominican Republic | 10 (10) | 890 | 3 | 4 | 127.1 |
While Firpo’s numbers for his country are remarkable given he is naturally a left-back and has produced seven goals and assists in less than 1000 minutes of football, the quality of opposition is much less.
Firpo has helped The Dominican Republic qualify for the 2025 Gold Cup for the first time, and the quality of opposition is only going to increase. Perhaps then, if still playing forward, Farke can gauge it better.
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