Djed Spence could provide a different dimension for Leeds United over the festive period, and manager Daniel Farke will be hoping Junior Firpo can do the same on the left.
Despite his complimentary remarks about the 32-year-old vice-captain’s leadership, it appears Luke Ayling has lost the battle for first-choice right-back, having only started once since September.
Archie Gray has been preferred, but Spence, who is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, was a key signing this summer. Due to injuries, he has only played nine minutes so far, but he has been an unused substitute in the last two games.
Middlesbrough were happy to give Spence a move to the Premier League despite the fact that his only rival as the division’s best in that position, Isaiah Jones, was already on their books. Although it did not work out at Spurs, his talent is undeniable.
Gray is a more natural midfielder than Spence, so his role has been to tuck into the centre of the park when Leeds have the ball.
Farke prefers one full-back high up the pitch as a fifth forward in possession, allowing Crysencio Summerville to tuck between him and the center-forward, with Dan James on the opposite wing.
Sam Byram‘s adaptability allows him to play in either position, but as a right-footer, he plays left-back differently than attack-minded Junior Firpo, who injured his hamstring shortly after returning to the team and is expected to be out until Christmas.
“They’re different, which is good because it makes us less predictable and we can react more to what we need – perhaps a left-footed player with outstanding crosses if he (Firpo) comes into this position and he’s strong in front of the goal,” said Farke when quizzed about Firpo prior to his departure from the club. “Sam plays with different angles in the build-up with his right foot and is strong defending with his headers.”
With Spence back, Farkes can return Gray to the orthodox central midfield role he excelled in earlier in the season, and having Spence, Gray, Byram, and Firpo on the pitch will make it easier to keep opponents guessing.
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