Tactical evolution wasn’t just a possibility for Leeds United in 2025/26, but a reality which became vital for Daniel Farke in the Premier League.
Leeds United have picked up seven points already under Daniel Farke’s tutelage, but the Whites are not the same team as 2024/25 in the Championship.
Setting up in the same way would have been a disaster, meaning tweaks to the shape and style were necessary. It’s fair to say that Leeds’ owners, the 49ers, did Premier League research — and it’s already paying off.
That largely centred around more of an onus on physicality, size, and intensity out of possession. Farke detailed greater tactical flexibility in the Premier League, and one aspect has changed drastically.
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Leeds United have increased their percentage of long balls dramatically
It is not a guarantee that the decision for Leeds to prioritise Premier League physicality will work. There also has to be increased focus on Leeds using set-pieces this season and Leeds have not been proficient from set-piece situations yet.
It’s not necessarily tactical, but Farke has worked on Leeds’ shooting in training. However, getting the ball from back to front swiftly and directly has also been an area of significant change for Farke and his Leeds team.
Tactically, Leeds are a strong counter-attacking team for it. The below shows exactly that from The Athletic. Not only are they playing more long balls, but the difference is underlined by a 63% increase from 2024/25.
Long balls are back in fashion in the Premier League, per their research. However, Leeds have seen the biggest increase from these types of pass than any other English top flight club.
Burnley have changed the second most from 9.6% to 13.0% but Leeds are way out in front from only 6.8% of their passes being long last season to 10.8% this season, which is a 4.0% increase.
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Daniel Farke’s view on Leeds’ tactical evolution
It was just last week when The Yorkshire Evening Post detailed further Farke thoughts on tactical evolution, and what Leeds may well be in for next in 2025/26, with Farke stating: “Football, everything out of fashion comes back 20, 30 years later,”
“In my generation, we had no solution to create a chance, we moved centre-backs up for a long throw, go for it and create a bit of chaos. Then we had possession-based football, the attitude that goals from a throw-in or set-piece are not for the best teams.
“Right now, it’s the next wave, proper long throw-ins are back in fashion, also set-piece goals. If you want to win a title there are games when you need to score from set-pieces. We are still a possession side, but if possible against some opponents it’s definitely something we want to use.”
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