Leeds United appear to have reached something of a tipping point when it comes to leadership at Elland Road. Daniel Farke isn’t short of experienced figures who have been there and done it in the colours of Leeds, of course.
The likes of Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford are all part of the United leadership group and they all play key roles in terms of guidance, nous and leading by example. That comes in handy when you have a squad as young as Leeds’ with all but eight members of the first-team group being 25 or younger.
The above trio were all named on the bench last week against Bristol City, alongside Karl Darlow, who at 33 is the most senior member of the group, and it would not be remotely surprising to see Farke make the same call this weekend when the Whites make the trip to East Anglia to face Norwich City. It’s absolutely vital that more players begin to take on senior responsibility on the field, then, and become leaders within the group.
Pascal Struijk was the man who took the armband against the Robins and having worn it well, he could skipper the side against the Canaries, too. The Dutchman isn’t necessarily seen as the most vocal presence on the field, but he’s one of Leeds’ longest serving players and he leads with his actions and attitude.
It’s a role that Struijk is still growing into, of course, and at the age of 24, he is still honing his game as a defender. But, United have been able to rely on his form this season and the captain’s armband might just allow him to take the next step in his career.
Farke is looking for more young players to push themselves into such positions, though, and he may well be looking at a handful of players throughout the spine of the side. Ethan Ampadu, for example, has had a key role in terms of direction of play and organisation this season and given his importance to the team in the deep-lying midfielder role, he’s surely one earmarked as someone who can develop into a leader.
The Welshman is only 23, but he’s experienced at both domestic and international level, and he’s already displayed his ability to guide younger players in the way he’s helped Archie Gray settle into the side. Illan Meslier is another who Farke might well look towards when it comes to picking out young leaders within his squad.
Meslier is the same age as Ampadu but is closing in on 150 appearances for the Whites and given his early season form, it’s clear that if he stays fit he could play every league game this season, bringing the consistency in selection that every good leader needs. His position dictates that he has to be vocal and he’s been one of the most reliable faces in the group this season.
Given Sam Byram is 30 and one of the oldest members of the squad, he cannot be considered a young leader, but he can provide a fresh voice after making the move back to Elland Road over the summer and Farke will be keen for him to step up and take on that mantle. Byram might not have the best injury record, but he’s been around the game for a long time and his performances have displayed such nous.
Hay claims the club are likely re-open talks after the turn of the year. Daniel Farke will have the final say on any fresh contracts and with the club gunning for promotion, the Premier League in 2024-25 would ask more questions than the Championship.
Hay claims the club are likely re-open talks after the turn of the year. Daniel Farke will have the final say on any fresh contracts and with the club gunning for promotion, the Premier League in 2024-25 would ask more questions than the Championship.According to Phil Hay of The Athletic, Liam Cooper is still waiting for new discussions to begin with Leeds United after rejecting a proposal from the Middle East in the summer. In the summer, Al Qadsiah manager Robbie Fowler made an approach for Cooper, and former Whites goalkeeper Joel Robles also moved to Saudi Arabia.
Cooper reportedly urged Leeds United to extend his contract for another 12 months, despite the fact that he is nearing the conclusion of his present deal. However, a foot injury sustained in the Championship opener against Cardiff City not only put an end to a move away from Elland Road, but also put contract talks on hold.
