{"id":491779,"date":"2025-10-11T19:49:22","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T19:49:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/491779\/"},"modified":"2025-10-11T19:49:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T19:49:22","slug":"leeds-united-duo-give-daniel-farke-food-for-thought-after-new-international-roles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/491779\/","title":{"rendered":"Leeds United duo give Daniel Farke food for thought after new international roles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although the international break has been forgettable for the majority of Leeds United players to date, Daniel Farke could still take something from how his stars have been used. <\/strong><\/p>\n

It has been a weekend to forget for most of the Leeds United players on international duty<\/a> so far, as Daniel Farke<\/a> waits to learn if they will all come back to Thorp Arch unscathed.<\/p>\n

Wales endured a difficult night at Wembley as Karl Darlow<\/a> conceded three goals in a heavy defeat by England, although Joe Rodon was praised<\/a> for his performance after the game.<\/p>\n

Charlie Crew\u2019s first game as captain<\/a> of Wales\u2019 under-21 side also did not go to plan as they suffered a 7-0 defeat against Belgium. Ao Tanaka fared marginally better<\/a>, as Japan secured a 2-2 draw with Paraguay. <\/p>\n

Although both Jaka Bijol\u2019s Slovenia<\/a> and Gabriel Gudmundsson\u2019s Sweden<\/a> suffered damaging results, Farke can learn a valuable lesson from how the pair were used by their international managers as he looks to solve a selection dilemma.<\/p>\n

\"DanielPhoto by OLI SCARFF\/AFP via Getty ImagesDaniel Farke can learn from Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jaka Bijol roles<\/p>\n

Bijol has been a peripheral figure at Leeds this season, having been forced to wait for his Premier League debut after arriving from Udinese in the summer transfer window. <\/p>\n

Farke has stuck with his preferred centre-back pairing of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk<\/a> so far this season, although a recent poll of Leeds fans suggests<\/a> that the Elland Road crowd want to see Bijol given a chance. <\/p>\n

A clue for how to unlock this dilemma may have been provided in Slovenia\u2019s game against Kosovo, as Bijol was used as one of a back three in the 0-0 draw and looked assured in this role. <\/p>\n

MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES<\/p>\n

Struijk is not as dominant in duels as Bijol, particularly in the air. By deploying a three at the back, Leeds could finally get Bijol into the team, with either Struijk or Ampadu as the other centre-back. <\/p>\n

This would improve their ability in the air, without sacrificing too much in possession. It would also open up the possibility of playing a second striker alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin<\/a>, to reduce the burden on his shoulders in front of goal. <\/p>\n

\"JakaPhoto by Damjan Zibert\/Soccrates\/Getty ImagesWhere would system change leave Gabriel Gudmundsson?<\/p>\n

Part of Farke\u2019s issue is how to fit all of his players into a system that balances defensive rigidity with enough cutting edge to threaten teams.<\/p>\n

By switching to a back five with two wing-backs, Farke would have a decision to make over whether to sacrifice a winger in a 5-3-2 or to lose a central midfielder in a 5-4-1.<\/p>\n

Farke already relies on his full-backs, Jayden Bogle<\/a> and Gudmundsson, to provide his team with width, a role which would be even more important in a 5-3-2 with two central strikers. <\/p>\n

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\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddea Gabriel Gudmundsson has been named in Sweden’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Switzerland<\/p>\n

\u2014 Leeds United (@LUFC) October 2, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

Interestingly for the Leeds manager, Gudmundsson<\/a> was used on the left of a back three as Sweden fell to a defeat against Switzerland, and was praised by the Swedish media for his performance. <\/p>\n

This would open the option of potentially using Jack Harrison<\/a> or a different, more attacking option at left wing-back, while keeping the impressive Gudmundsson in the starting XI.<\/p>\n

\"GabrielPhoto by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND\/AFP via Getty ImagesThe case for sticking with Leeds\u2019 existing defence<\/p>\n

Although Farke will undoubtedly be pleased to see his players\u2019 versatility on display, there is a strong case for making minimal changes to Leeds\u2019 defensive system. <\/p>\n

Whilst Farke may be tempted to bring Bijol in for Struijk after the defeat against Tottenham, the Opta<\/a> stats from the Premier League<\/a> show Leeds\u2019 defence is holding up well. <\/p>\n

After seven games of the season, Leeds have conceded a total of 8.1 expected goals against, which is the sixth-lowest in the division. <\/p>\n

Premier League xG against after seven games<\/strong><\/p>\n