Daniel Farke was forced into changes on Sunday afternoon with Pascal Struijk missing from his Leeds United side due to a hamstring injury, but Leeds still managed a 3-0 win.
The Whites came under a decent amount of pressure in what was largely an equal game on Sunday, but Danny Rohl’s Sheffield Wednesday were eventually beaten thanks to some excellent goals on the day.
Manor Solomon had given Leeds the lead on three minutes, but it took until the 88th minute for Leeds to score a second. Having surrendered leads in their last two games, Leeds fans were worried until late on.
But Largie Ramazani came off the bench to score his fifth Leeds goal with a gorgeous strike from the edge of the area, and then the £10m signing got an assist – his shot backheeled in via Ao Tanaka.
The Leeds skipper dropped back into the defence again, alongside Joe Rodon. That is despite Max Wober at least being fit for the bench on Sunday, though the Austrian remained an unused sub throughout.
Speaking to his post-match press conference, Farke discussed Ampadu playing in defence and said that while the Wales ace is “used to it” he admitted that it affects balance and it isn’t ideal for the run-in.
Indeed, Leeds will be hoping Struijk returns on time – and his injury isn’t a repeat of last season. Farke said: “The balance changes a little bit. I wouldnt say its out our soltuon for the run in. He’s used to it.”
Leeds do have options. But Struijk is somewhat injury prone these days and Wober is the definition of it as his knee injuries continue to persist. James Debayo has made his debut but the teen remains a rookie.
Ampadu and Josuha Guilavogui can play there, but in the times they have played in that role for Leeds it is clear they are midfielders dropping back. It was Ampadu at fault for Southampton’s winner at Wembley.
Maybe, Farke is hinting to the Leeds board at the need for a new centre-back for the “run-in”. With a fortnight left to go in the January window, perhaps Farke will be manage to get himself a new addition.
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