There was plenty to take apart and analyse from Saturday’s failure to beat Blackburn as Daniel Farke failed to get one over John Eustace, for the fourth time as Leeds United manager.
Indeed, Daniel Farke had lost all three games against Eustace as Leeds manager going into Saturday’s clash at Elland Road. A 1-0 loss to Eustace’s Birmingham in August 2023, then two against Blackburn.
On Saturday, Farke might have thought he had finally got one over Eustace when Pascal Struijk scored from the spot, only for Blackburn to equalise two minutes later. Here are three things we learned:
Three things learned from Leeds United’s draw vs Blackburn
Crushing moment for £4.6m Leeds player
Isaac Schmidt has endured a dismal start to his Leeds career. A regular at Swiss side St. Gallen and playing regularly in a side in European football, Schmidt decided to join Leeds on deadline day for a £4.6m fee.
Nine times an unused substitute, seven substitute appearances, not even in the squad on five occasions due to injury, Schmidt is being made to wait. Farke even questioned Schmidt’s application in training.
On Saturday, Schmidt might have thought he was about to get his first meaningful outing. Sam Byram had gone off at half-time, and Jayden Bogle not long after – but Schmidt, again, was overlooked.
Realistically, is Schmidt going to get a chance to show what he can do? He might get a go in The FA Cup against Harrogate but realistically, Schmidt is way down the pecking order and Farke doesn’t trust him.
Ethan Ampadu’s importance is somehow, getting bigger
If Ampadu’s importance as club captain was not already as high as it can get, then it has got bigger over the past few weeks. His performances away from home helped Leeds end their lack of form on the road.
Farke took Ampadu out of the starting line-up on Saturday due to advice from the sport scientists at Elland Road. But he came on for Bogle and instantly, Leeds were a better side with Ampadu at right-back.
Leeds are a different team with Ampadu in the team and the £10m signing is now showing he can play in more positions than centre-back and midfield, operating at right-back on Saturday against Blackburn.
Leeds need three January signings
With Junior Firpo injured, Max Wober deputised on Saturday and impressed when replacing Byram on the left of defence. But if Wober continues to play there, Leeds will need cover in the middle of the defence.
Then, competition for Brenden Aaronson remains an issue. Aaronson has one good game and then, like he did on Saturday, he failed to provide the end product needed from the crucial role as a number 10.
Another issue from Saturday and from many other games this season is Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford all failed to score. Leeds need a no.9 that can change games and score crucial goals.
So, three signings and Leeds can guarantee promotion – but the chances of that happening are slight.
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