Farke Faces Growing Concerns Over Leeds’ Left-Side Balance
Daniel Farke appears to have another tactical problem to solve at Leeds United, with the team’s balance becoming a major concern whenever Noah Okafor leaves the pitch.
The biggest question is how Farke intends to use his substitutes, particularly Brenden Aaronson and Patrick Bamford. Bamford does not necessarily look like the type of player who can come off the bench and immediately change the momentum of a match. Bringing him on around the 70th minute when Leeds are already under pressure and struggling to control possession can create more problems than solutions.
Aaronson’s deployment on the left is another concern. He can perform a useful role from the right or through the centre, but playing him on the left appears to limit his effectiveness. Being predominantly right-footed makes it more difficult for him to receive the ball naturally, open his body and attack defenders in the way a genuine left-sided player would.
That was evident in the recent game. Aaronson managed only 11 touches, lost possession five times and failed to complete a dribble. During one promising counterattack, a better first touch inside could have opened the door for him to run through. Instead, he attempted to go around the defender and was eventually closed down.
However, the problem should not necessarily be placed on Aaronson. He was being asked to operate in a position that does not naturally suit him.
Leeds also appeared to lose control on the left after Okafor went off. The opposition repeatedly targeted that side, winning corners and putting the defence under sustained pressure. This suggests the weakness may have been identified and deliberately exploited.
If Okafor is unavailable, using Dan James or Joel Piroe in a more natural attacking role could provide better balance. The 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation can be effective, but only when the players are suited to their positions.
Farke therefore has several issues to address. Leeds cannot afford to repeatedly lose their shape and control simply because one player leaves the pitch. Finding the right solution on the left could be crucial to maintaining consistency and avoiding another tactical problem.
