Victim of Leeds United success may finally be ready to throw...

Victim of Leeds United success may finally be ready to throw up some difficulties for Daniel Farke

While Ethan Ampadu has swept everything in his path since joining Leeds United, Ilia Gruev has had to

wait patiently for a legitimate opportunity. However, there may finally be some hope for the Bulgarian.

There are teams in the Championship this year that have suffered as a result of Ethan Ampadu’s success

at Leeds United. Daniel Farke does not have to worry about many things when it comes to the Wales

international, who has shown himself to be one of the division’s most reliable players.

Ampadu has been the first name on Leeds’ team sheet each week and has earned Farke’s trust by starting

every game of the season thus far. One consequence of that accomplishment has been Ilia Gruev’s

delayed start to life in West Yorkshire.

The Bulgarian international was a clear choice for boss Farke during the summer transfer window, so

you knew he would be given time. Gruev’s background was at least partially revealed by his thirty-one

Bundesliga matches with Werder Bremen last season, but it’s safe to say that opinions haven’t been

unanimous since his arrival.The Bulgarian international was a clear choice for boss Farke during the

summer transfer window, so you knew he would be given time. Gruev’s background was at least partially

revealed by his thirty-one Bundesliga matches with Werder Bremen last season, but it’s safe to say that

opinions haven’t been unanimous since his arrival.

An uneventful full debut at Stoke City offered Farke no incentive to switch up his starting lineup by

giving Gruev a run of starts. Gruev struggles to establish consistency and settle in when he only starts

once every three months, much like many of the players who are more regularly seen on the bench.

However, there was a gleam of light from the 23-year-old in Cardiff on Saturday afternoon. The knock-

on effect of the injury at centre-back forced Ampadu out of position and prepared the way for Gruev to

receive his third start in four games.

At Cardiff City, that developing rhythm was easily observed. Gruev was given the opportunity to play his

preferred more defensive role alongside Glen Kamara.

Gruev would make crucial tackles, recover the ball and pass it to his more inventive teammates. He

would also move across the pitch with exceptional skill, recording the longest distance covered,

according to Farke. In his own post-match comments, Daniel James would even go so far as to refer to

Gruev as one of the best players on the field.

Gruev was a major factor in the defence having very little to do on the day, even though Leeds dominated

every aspect of their journey to Wales. He shielded the backline, and his confidence was clearly building.

Gruev has had to wait his turn thus far, but he is hoping that his recent progress will be sufficient to

secure a spot in the starting lineup for a few more weeks. The injuries to Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper

could determine that outcome, but for the time being, one of the less well-known summer additions is

finally emerging from his shell in white.

While Ethan Ampadu has swept everything in his path since joining Leeds United, Ilia Gruev has had to

wait patiently for a legitimate opportunity. However, there may finally be some hope for the Bulgarian.