At Leeds United, there currently remain eight attackers following the expected departure of Crysencio Summerville, last year’s Championship Player of the Season. This leaves manager Daniel Farke with the opportunity to shake things up in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation as the new campaign looms just over a week away. Jaidon Anthony’s lengthy efforts to surpass the league’s top player have now become inconsequential as the start of the season against Portsmouth approaches.
With Summerville poised to vacate the left flank, Farke will be on the lookout for a top-notch replacement to fill the void on the left side of his squad. Wilfried Gnonto emerges as a frontrunner to take on this role, showcasing his prowess on the left in previous seasons. However, questions surrounding Gnonto’s future at the club persist, with Everton’s interest lingering on the horizon.
In addition to Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson stands out as a versatile option in the attacking lineup. Having started both of the recent friendlies in Germany on the left side of Farke’s attack, the American demonstrates his ability to fit into multiple roles within the team. Aaronson could potentially provide cover for Georginio Rutter through the middle, allowing the Frenchman to shift to the left side. However, Aaronson’s left-footed abilities might make him better suited for cutting inside from the right flank, reminiscent of his time at Hoffenheim.
Meanwhile, Joe Gelhardt, Joel Piroe, and Mateo Joseph offer further depth and versatility to Farke’s attacking options. Gelhardt, in particular, caught attention playing on the right side in a game at Home Park last season. Piroe, though he struggled in a role behind the striker previously, could potentially be utilized in a deeper position if the situation calls for it. Farke has shown a willingness to adapt and experiment, as evidenced by his deployment of a back three system in a recent friendly against Harrogate Town.
The potential for changes in formations and strategic adjustments serve as a testament to Farke’s flexibility as a manager. Despite uncertainties surrounding the final lineup, Leeds fans can rest assured that Farke is prepared to explore all possibilities and find the best-suited combination of attackers as the new season kicks off.
