Dominic Matteo thinks Leeds United fans are yet to see the best of one of Daniel Farke’s signings but he is working harder than anybody in training to improve since arriving at Elland Road.
Leeds take on Southampton at Wembley on Sunday afternoon for a place in the Premier League as the two sides do battle for the third time this season, Leeds losing both previous encounters home and away.
The Whites will have to change their approach in order to get a result against Russell Martin’s side given it has not worked in the previous two attempts, albeit reasons can be given for both losses to The Saints.
The first being that team selection was wrong on the south coast, with Joe Rodon, Archie Gray and Ilia Gruev on the bench. The latter came into the side in January and has since gone one to shine in midfield.
He will be one of the first names on the team sheet come Sunday afternoon and Leeds icon Matteo says he is the one working hardest in training, and thinks the best is yet to come from the £5m addition.
Matteo says best is yet to come from Leeds star Ilia Gruev
The biggest roar produced this season at Elland Road was due to a swing of Gruev’s left boot, his quick decision-making. His excellent free-kick sent Leeds on their way to a famous 4-0 win over Norwich City.
His first goal for Leeds, since joining from Werder Bremen. It must be remembered that this was a player who didn’t have a sniff until the turn of the year, only turning 24 earlier this month. Matteo is a big fan:
“He gave me the eyes that day as well, he deserved that. He is the one on the training pitch, working the hardest, wanting to improve, wanting to get better. Bided his time, and he’s bit of an inspiration for me.
“He doesn’t do anything special but he’s very good at what he does. Does the basics well and I think he will chip in with more goals, he’s got that in his locker. We haven’t seen the best of him yet,” Matteo said.
What Gruev told Leeds assistant manager before that free-kick
It took everyone by surprise, including Matteo as Gruev swept home a gorgeous free-kick from the best part of 30 yards past Angus Gunn. A moment of genius, quick thinking and perfect execution from Gruev.
But the midfielder has shared how there was more planning than what might have been seen as just an impulsive shot at goal in an attempt to catch Gunn out. He spoke to the Leeds assistant before taking.
“It’s nice to score in such an important game, the atmosphere was going off. I asked our assistant coach if it was an out swinger or an in swinger, but then I saw the ‘keeper and I tried,” Gruev said after the match.