Alious
Daniel Farke’s decision to rip up his old blueprint and switch Leeds United into a 3-5-2 system has triggered a dramatic, unexpected resurgence — and it’s now shaping the club’s entire strategy for the upcoming January transfer window.
3-5-2 sparks a stunning revival at Elland Road
A team that had collapsed into a run of *six defeats in seven* suddenly looks reborn.
Few expected Leeds to take anything from Chelsea in midweek, yet a ferocious, high-energy display blew the Blues apart. The crowd at Elland Road witnessed one of the most intense performances of the season, leaving Farke fully aligned with a fanbase that had been crying out for change.
It all started with a forced tactical switch at half-time against Manchester City. With Dan James injured, Farke had no choice but to abandon the sluggish 4-3-3 and move to a 3-5-2.
The effect was instant — Leeds became sharper, more direct, and far more dangerous.
He kept the system against Chelsea, and the rewards followed: disciplined defending, relentless running, and three well-earned goals.
Heading into the Liverpool match, Farke may hesitate to commit to the 3-5-2 permanently, but the evidence is overwhelming: Leeds have gone toe-to-toe with two European giants and won the combined score 5–2 since the switch.
The new formation exposes January’s biggest transfer need
Before the system change, Leeds’ transfer priority was clear: a right-sided creator in the mould of Harry Wilson or Facundo Buonanotte.
But in a 3-5-2, the urgency has shifted — and it’s now centred on the striker position.
Why a new striker is now essential:
Lukas Nmecha (4 goals) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (3 goals) are improving,
but both remain major fitness doubts and struggle to play full 90s.
Behind them are supporting forwards Noah Okafor, Joel Piroe, and 17-year-old Harry Gray.
Piroe’s physical struggles at Premier League level make him unreliable as a long-term option.
Selling Piroe in January would open funds, but also leave the squad dangerously thin.
Whether Leeds chase a new starting striker or simply add competition, the need is now obvious — the 3-5-2 only works if there is reliable firepower up front.
Why this tactical shift shapes the entire January plan
Farke may not publicly commit to the system long-term, but his own choices have revealed the direction Leeds must take.
The 3-5-2 brings out the best in the squad — but it exposes their lack of depth at the top end of the pitch.
A striker is no longer a luxury.
It is the single most important signing Leeds can make in January.
About the writer
Kris Smith, LeedsAllOver editor since 2020 and a lifelong South Stand season-ticket holder, continues to deliver in-depth tactical and transfer insight shaped by years of matchday experience. His analysis blends statistical understanding with the passion of a committed supporter — providing Leeds fans with trusted, authentic coverage through every high and low at Elland Road.
Alious
