Leeds United have enjoyed a phenomenal run of form in the Championship since the turn of the New Year.
The Whites have picked up 41 points from a possible 45 available in 2024, which has propelled them right into the mix for automatic promotion in the final six matches of the season.
Leeds have managed to claw back a 17-point deficit to Leicester City in the process of this run, and in truth, Daniel Farke’s side would’ve been no where near without it.
A rocky end to December, as well as injuries to a couple of players, meant Farke was forced into making some alterations to his starting XI in early 2024.
As a result of that, a number of those who had spent much of the first half of the season on the bench were able to get their chance, and have not looked back since.
Patrick Bamford, Junior Firpo, Ilia Gruev and Willy Gnonto up until their injuries all managed to force their way into Farke’s side across the month of January, which coincided with Leeds’ upturn in form.
Farke says £7m player has actually been so important for Leeds United recently
With that said, Leeds have certainly found things much more difficult seen returning from the international break, even if they were able to pick up four points over two matches at Easter.
Considering the number of players who were away on international duty, it is perhaps understandable given the tight turnaround between matches.
However, it would also be fair to say that Bamford is one of those whose form has dropped off since the resumption of the season, even though he had a nice 12-day rest.
Neil Redfearn labelled his performance on Monday as ‘lethargic’, with his incredible miss at 1-0 almost coming back to cost Leeds.
Speaking in his pre-Coventry press conference today though, Farke has defended Bamford and says his experience has been really important recently.
He said: “I like when everyone is buzzing about our players. Mateo deserves our praise, he has developed all season, but it’s important we’re not too driven by our emotions. Mateo has got one goal this season in the league, it’s not like without him we have no chance.
“He’s done well in cup competitions, he scored the brace at Chelsea, great, important impact from the bench, this is also what we need. It’s good to have this player with this momentum because whenever he comes on at the moment he comes on with emotions and confidence, but so important to have experienced players on the pitch like Patrick who put a shift in.
“To have the experience and quality of Patrick available is also crucial, we play with 21 y/o Georginio, 22 y/o Cree Summerville – we need experienced players fit and available and in good shape.”
Joseph should be knocking on door despite Farke comments
Farke has acknowledged that Mateo Joseph deserves praise for his impact from the bench recently, but clearly he does not deem him ready to start.
Given the intense pressure of the run-in, it is slightly understandable. However, of Leeds’ two striking options, there is only one man having an impact on the pitch right now – Joseph.
Joseph is full of confidence right now, having recently enjoyed a dream week scoring his first Spain U21s goal, and first league goal for Leeds.
Joseph has that pace in behind that Bamford just no longer seems to possess, and while it has to be said that Leeds’ upturn in form did coincide with the £7m man coming into the team, it shouldn’t mean his place in the team is completely secure.