Norway boss singles out versatile Leeds United star for praise, thinks he can play in lots of positions

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The international break is set to end in a couple of days and Daniel Farke’s Leeds United contingent currently representing their countries will return to Thorp Arch.

While Wilfried Gnonto and Ilia Gruev are already back at Elland Road, the majority of Leeds’ international players will come back after Tuesday – with most second games during the break played tomorrow night.

The likes of Ao Tanaka, Manor Solomon, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, Mateo Joseph and Junior Firpo are all in action on Tuesday. Firpo is the last to play, with the Dominican Republic playing at 12AM.

It has been a confidence-building break for the Leeds players on duty. Five goalscorers already while Tanaka has helped Japan qualify for the 2026 World Cup and Solomon provided a big assist for Israel.

• READ MORE: Manor Solomon’s Israel teammate has urged him to join his Beitar Jerusalem side

Norway manager heaps praise on Leeds star Manor Solomon

Solomon has been excellent for Leeds but it is fair to say his performances have dropped off in the last few weeks. Perhaps the reason why Solomon was so angry when substituted in the draw against QPR.

For Israel, Solomon produced a gorgeous assist to beat Estonia 2-1 in Hungary. On Monday, ahead of Norway taking on Israel, Norway boss Stale Solbakken singled out Solomon to praise his versatility.

“Israel is a team with an identity and we saw it in its games against Belgium and France. It has good players, Solomon can play in several positions, it has strikers with different characters. We respect it.”

Is Daniel Farke actually under-using Manor Solomon at Leeds?

Farke has only really used Solomon as a left-winger since the former Fulham and Shakhtar Donetsk man arrived at Elland Road. Solomon is a danger when he cuts inside on his right and makes things happen.

But, could Solomon be deployed elsewhere? Perhaps swapping James and Solomon could give Leeds something new to try – a bit of freshness? Or, with Gnonto injured, perhaps trying him in the 10 role?

There is no doubt that Solomon’s best position is the left wing. It is where he plays for Israel and has done for Spurs and Fulham. But, at this level, perhaps trying Solomon as a 10 or on the right could help Leeds.