Leeds United will have to beat Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon to return to the top of the Championship table, but the feel-good factor is firmly in place among Daniel Farke’s squad.
Leeds have won three games in a row and Wednesday night’s 3-0 cruise over Luton Town was a tenth win of the Championship table, after just 17 games. Daniel Farke’s men also clocked up a tenth clean sheet.
Sunderland’s 1-0 loss to Sheffield United on Friday night means Leeds now sit in second and will need to beat Blackburn to return to the top. However, Daniel Farke and Leeds lost twice to John Eustace last term.
One player crucial to Leeds’ recent run of form is Joe Rothwell. The on-loan star has started nine league games in a row, giving The Whites an attacking impetus they have rarely had during Farke’s tenure.
Joe Rothwell finally enjoying his football again on loan at Leeds
Rothwell was made to wait by Farke. Joining on-loan from Bournemouth, Rothwell came on as a sub in each of Leeds’ first eight games. But injury has seen Rothwell start the next nine matches for The Whites.
Speaking to LUTV before Saturday’s clash against one of his old clubs, Rothwell said he’s finally enjoying his football again at Leeds under Farke. Indeed, Farke recently said that Rothwell is “proving his worth”.
“They’re really high [confidence levels]. I always knew that once I got a run of games and I get my rhythm back that I would be able to show what I’m all about. Thankfully, I’ve managed to do that,” Rothwell said.
“As I say, with players coming back – we’re going to need everyone. But personally, I’ve really enjoyed playing and I’m thankful for the staff here for giving me that opportunity to enjoy my football again.”
Joe Rothwell has almost played as much as he did last season
And the season before. Rothwell made the move to Bournemouth in June 2022 from today’s opponents Blackburn, but in the 18 months he has been available for Bournemouth, he’s only played 35 matches.
| Season | Club(s) | Games | Starts | 90 mins completed | Minutes total |
| 2022-23 | Bournemouth | 22 | 14 | 3 | 1136 |
| 2023-24 | Bournemouth Southampton (Loan) | 13 20 Total: 33 | 5 7 Total: 12 | 2 0 Total: 2 | 516 652 Total: 1168 |
| 2024-25 | Leeds (loan) | 18 | 10 | 5 | 1001 |
The numbers show just how much Rothwell has had to endure over the last couple of seasons. Already this term, he is closing in on the same amount of minutes he has played in the previous two campaigns.
This season, he has completed 90 minutes on five occasions – the same amount he has done in the two seasons beforehand. Rothwell’s importance is growing, but does he start when all four midfielders are fit?
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