Leeds United have a decision to make over three of their first-team stars, after Gary Neville declared they are too weak for the Premier League.
While the new 3-5-2 system adopted by Daniel Farke appears to have unlocked a winning formula, it does raise questions over how several of his former regulars fit into the team.
Noah Okafor started the season as a left winger, but is now being asked to play as a second striker, following the tactical switch.
Both Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto have struggled to force their way into Farke’s plans this season, despite both playing an influential role in Leeds’ Championship title-winning season.
Now, Gary Neville has suggested that both Piroe and Gnonto are too weak to play in the Premier League, despite Leeds’ statement win over Chelsea.
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The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke’s plans.
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Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto criticised by Gary Neville
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast for Sky Sports, Neville voiced his concerns over Piroe, Gnonto and Dan James’ ability to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.
Although Neville believes they are all talented players, the changing nature of the competition means they may struggle to hold down a place in the Leeds team, regularly from now on.
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Neville said: “I watched them earlier on the season when they had, I think, Gnonto and James in wide areas and Piroe, I think, up front. I thought they were just a little bit lightweight.
“They’re talented players, those lads, don’t get me wrong. They’ve got a lot about them. I like Gnonto particularly.
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“James is a threat on the counter-attack. But you’re getting into winter, you’re in the Premier League. This league has become more and more physical over the last two or three years.
“It’s gone back 15, 20 years in respect to the size of the players, the set pieces, the balls into the box, the long balls forward, the throw-ins. Everyone’s now demanding aerial duels to be won. And physicality and aggression.”
Leeds United may need to be ruthless in the transfer market
With the January transfer window rapidly approaching, the 49ers already know they need to invest to bolster Leeds’ hopes of avoiding relegation to the Championship.
Senior figures at Leeds have previously stated that the club was close to the PSR limits in the summer transfer window, which means they may need to sell before they can buy in January.
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As a result, the likes of Piroe and Gnonto could be candidates to leave Elland Road, as Leeds look to secure some much-needed financial headroom.
Much of this will depend on Farke’s tactical set-up. If Leeds elect to stick with three central defenders, the Leeds boss’s recruitment priorities may now be different.
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