BBC NEWS; Farke could have just unearthed Leeds’ next Mateusz Klich.
Leeds United’s midfield options have been significantly weakened due to an injury problem in recent weeks.
With Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev out due to long-term injuries, the former Norwich City manager has had to think on his feet in the middle of the park, but he is grateful that Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka were added to his group over the summer and have stepped up when needed.
However, with the second-tier prospects recently completing a contract for this elite midfield talent on the cheap, it may encourage the promotion hopefuls to become even more active in the free agency market, in order to diversify away from relying on Rothwell and Tanaka.
How Guilavogui Could Be the Next Klich
Josuha Guilavogui, the man in question, could form a fantastic partnership in the holding midfield spots with Tanaka if given time to settle, with the possibility of the new boy becoming Leeds’ next Mateusz Klich, who arrived as a low-key signing before becoming a revered presence in West Yorkshire.
Nobody expected Klich to be as important to Leeds as he was when he originally arrived in England in 2017, as a relatively unknown player from FC Twente.
Despite costing only £1.5 million to acquire, the Polish midfielder proved to be a wise investment, making 195 appearances for the club throughout many seasons and proving to be a versatile player.
| Guilavogui’s career numbers by position | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position played | Games played | Goals scored | Assists |
| DM | 274 | 12 | 7 |
| CM | 59 | 6 | 5 |
| CB | 42 | 2 | 1 |
| AM | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RM | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Sourced by Transfermarkt | |||
Looking at the table above, Leeds’ latest addition, like Klich, can play in a holding position or be put into games further forward, and has 42 career appearances in centre-back positions.
However, Guilavogui, like Leeds’ previous midfield gem, has an eye for scoring and creating away from getting dug in defensively, with six goals and five assists in center midfield throughout his playing career.
Farke will simply hope that buying the former Wolfsburg player pays out in the same way as purchasing Tanaka this summer did, as the 26-year-old has adjusted to the demands of the English game like a duck to water.
Against Watford, the 5’11 ace made 56 precise passes in 70 touches, allowing his team to thrive.
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