AliousDaniel Farke was full of praise for his Leeds United side after their commanding 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.
The win propelled Leeds back to the top of the Championship, showcasing a series of standout performances and leaving fans with plenty to discuss.
Solomon and Ramazani Shine in Attack
Manor Solomon continued his impressive form, contributing his third goal involvement in as many matches with the opening goal.
The Israeli winger had already provided assists in games against Hull City and Harrogate Town and is quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Leeds’ attack.
Meanwhile, Largie Ramazani came off the bench to score in consecutive matches, following up his recent goal with another impactful display.
His ability to deliver in crucial moments is proving vital, though competition on the wings remains fierce, with Daniel James, Willy Gnonto, and Solomon all vying for starting spots.
Farke highlighted Ramazani’s knack for finding himself in the right positions and delivering when it counts, even if his overall contribution varies.
The winger’s current form is hard to overlook, but whether he earns a start against Norwich City remains to be seen.
Tanaka’s Flair and Rothwell’s Precision in Midfield
The midfield duo of Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell impressed, particularly with Ethan Ampadu filling in at center-back due to Pascal Struijk’s absence.
Farke has often spoken about Ampadu’s importance in midfield, but the seamless transition of Tanaka and Rothwell into the central roles eased concerns about any potential imbalance.
Tanaka capped his performance with a stylish backheel finish for Leeds’ third goal, demonstrating creativity and composure.
Rothwell, though not officially credited with an assist, played a crucial pass that unlocked the defense in the buildup to Solomon’s opener.
Their performances will give Farke confidence in the depth and versatility of his midfield options.
Emiliano Buendía Speculation Addressed
Talk of a potential move for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía has sparked excitement among Leeds fans, especially given the Argentine’s history with Farke at Norwich City, where he was a standout player.
When asked about the rumors, Farke refrained from commenting directly but acknowledged Buendía’s talent:
“I never comment on players contracted to other clubs, as I wouldn’t expect other managers to comment on mine. But yes, Buendía was one of my best players at Norwich, and I really rate him. That’s all I’ll say.”
With Unai Emery reportedly open to a loan move for Buendía, speculation about a reunion continues to swirl.
Concerns over Illan Meslier Persist
While Leeds celebrated a clean sheet, goalkeeper Illan Meslier’s performance did little to ease fans’ nerves. The Frenchman struggled with commanding his area early on and made a costly giveaway, drawing audible anxiety from the crowd.
Farke defended his No. 1, noting that Meslier had looked sharp in training and focused during the match. He praised the keeper for making a critical save in the second half and handling a late corner confidently. However, Meslier’s inconsistency, particularly after a high-profile error against Hull City, remains a concern for some supporters.
Leeds’ Momentum Building
Leeds United’s victory highlighted their growing cohesion under Farke, with standout individual performances across the pitch. While issues such as Meslier’s form and positional debates—like the best role for Tanaka—persist, the overall trajectory is positive.
As they prepare to face Norwich City on Wednesday, the team’s depth, tactical flexibility, and newfound confidence will be crucial in maintaining their position at the summit of the Championship.
Alious
