Leeds United have had a decent start to the Premier League season in their survival bid but one hugely telling sign was evident in their 2-0 loss to Burnley at the weekend.
Daniel Farke’s side had already lost twice on the road in the Premier League prior to their visit to Burnley on Saturday, hoping for a second away win of the season in the top-flight after downing Wolves earlier in the season.
But a lacklustre attacking display saw their Championship rivals from last season beat them 2-0 in Lancashire, with goals either side of half-time from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna flying past a helpless Karl Darlow.
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It leaves Leeds dangling three points clear of the relegation zone and one star in particular, Gabriel Gudmundsson, must add something to his game to provide Farke with a huge asset he lost over the summer.
Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty ImagesGabriel Gudmundsson must replicate Junior Firpo output if Leeds are to survive
Although it was in the Championship, a lot of Leeds’ joy last season came through their full-backs.
Jayden Bogle managed to pick up six goals from right-back, with four assists to his name, and he’s been one of their better performers so far this season.
However, Gudmundsson only joined Leeds the summer once Junior Firpo had departed on a free transfer for Europa League outfit Real Betis – and the Elland Road side are missing his output.
Firpo registered an incredible four goals and 10 assists from left-back, including three assists in the same game against Cardiff City before a run of five goal involvement in six games through February and early March.
The Premier League is of course a tougher league, and Firpo only registered three assists and a goal in 43 top-flight apps for Leeds before his departure.
However, he was a key part of how Daniel Farke played. The German boss obviously didn’t have him in the Premier League, with Farke joining Leeds upon their relegation, but he became key to how they played.
Gudmundsson has impressed, let that be clear. But Farke has always utilised full-backs going forward, as seen at Norwich City with Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis. If his system is to work, Gudmundsson needs to add assists to his game.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesEx-Leeds man Aidy White says Gudmundsson is Daniel Farke’s best summer signing
Gudmundsson, incidentally, was one of Leeds’ best players against Burnley and did look a threat at times.
But former Leeds left-back Aidy White knows exactly what it takes to shine in West Yorkshire and agrees that Gudmundsson needs to add more to his game if Leeds are to make a real go of keeping their heads above the water in the relegation battle.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the loss to Burnley, the former Whites star said: “I like him, I’ve liked him since the first game. As a full-back, you look at those areas and what you’d do.
“He’s pretty much bob on in most areas of the pitch; it’s the end product that takes him to the next level.
“If he does get the time in those attacking areas, he’s got to make it count. He and Sean Longstaff have been the shining lights in terms of signings. Gudmundsson has been excellent overall.”
If Gudmundsson can keep his defensive nous and add assists to his game, it could be the difference for Leeds if they are to stay up.
He could supply chances for first-choice striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, after his move from Everton over the summer. The former England star only has one goal for the club so far, but Calvert-Lewin has been backed to shine by Wayne Rooney and if Gudmundsson can land superb crosses on his head, Farke’s job will be much easier.