Leeds United fans have many reasons to be happy as they approach their September schedule of games. The team’s organization and defensive structure have significantly improved after a difficult season opener.
Following their crushing at the hands of Middlesbrough, it was imperative that the Whites returned to basics. Whatever Daniel Farke and his coaching team did in the aftermath of Boro has worked wonderfully, as United has kept three straight clean sheets.
The Whites’ consecutive victories over Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday guaranteed that they would finish unbeaten in the Championship heading into the international break. They are only four points behind Sunderland, who set the early pace, in fourth place.
Are United now operating at full capacity? No. Over the next week, will they have to advance one or two levels further? Certainly, since three of the upcoming five games are away from Elland Road.
However, Farke has added four bright new players to his roster: Isaac Schmidt, Manor Solomon, Ao Tanaka, and Large Ramazani. It is Farke’s hope that the four soon settle into their new environment and become important members of his team. A wonderful move by Solomon set up Mateo Joseph’s opening goal against Hull, and after coming off the bench, Ramazani and Tanaka both performed admirably. With time, such players will adjust to Farke’s style of play.
The return from injuries of both Daniel James and Patrick Bamford will increase Farke’s offensive options even further. Both were ruled out of the Hull match due to hamstring issues.
