Leeds United are facing big calls in midfield as the season moves into a key stage. Manager Daniel Farke has stuck with Ilia Gruev for 11 Premier League starts in a row.
It is his longest run in the team this season. But now the pressure is growing, and changes could be coming soon.
Gruev got his chance after Sean Longstaff picked up an injury. The former Newcastle man had been doing well before he was sidelined.
That opened the door for the Bulgarian international to step in and try to make the shirt his own.
At first, it looked like he might do just that.
Strong Run But Recent Dip in Form
Gruev showed some good bits in his run. He grabbed two assists in a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest and looked calm on the ball in a few games. He worked hard and tried to keep things ticking in the middle of the park.
But in the last two matches, against Manchester City and Aston Villa, things went wrong.
He struggled in duels, both on the ground and in the air. He gave away fouls and did not create chances for the attackers.
In big games where Leeds needed fight and control, the midfield looked soft at times. That is a worry when you are in a relegation scrap.
Leeds fans know this league is unforgiving. If you lose battles in midfield, you lose matches. Simple as that.
Longstaff Ready To Step Back In?
Now Longstaff is back fit. That means Farke has a big decision to make.
Before his injury, Longstaff had been creating big chances and adding energy. He can press, tackle and get forward.
Stats show he wins more than half of his duels and averages over one chance created per match. That kind of output is important when Leeds are fighting for every point.
Some supporters feel it is only fair that he gets his spot back. Others think Gruev deserves more time. But in the Premier League, patience can be short. If results do not come, changes will happen.
Ao Tanaka’s Fall Down The Order
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Gruev is not the only one under the spotlight.
Ao Tanaka was a hero last season when Leeds won the Championship. He started nearly every game and was full of energy.
He even got praise from big names like Declan Rice, who called him a top player and said he loved watching him play.
But the step up to the Premier League has been tough.
Tanaka has barely started since the new year. In fact, he has not been in the starting XI for months and has only come off the bench for short spells. In some recent matches, he did not play at all.
The reason is clear. Physically, he has struggled. He loses more than half of his ground duels and aerial battles.
In this league, that can hurt your team. Leeds often have to defend deep and fight for second balls. If your midfielder cannot win those scraps, you are in trouble.
Fighting For Survival Means Tough Choices
Leeds are not chasing Europe. They are fighting to stay up. That changes everything.
When you are in a relegation battle, managers often pick strength and discipline over flair.
Tanaka is neat on the ball, but off it he has found life hard. Gruev has had mixed form. Longstaff offers work rate and bite.
Farke must pick the right balance.
Fans will have their opinions. Some say Tanaka should not start another league game this season.
Others think he just needs confidence. The same goes for Gruev. Football moves fast. One bad run can push you out. One strong game can bring you back.
Big Summer Ahead?
With the summer transfer window not far away, questions will be asked.
If Tanaka cannot get minutes, he may think about his future. If Gruev loses his place, he will need to respond. Longstaff, meanwhile, has the chance to remind everyone why he was brought in.
For Leeds United, the aim is simple: survive in the Premier League.
Midfield is where games are won and lost. And right now, the battle in the centre of the pitch could decide how this season ends at Elland Road.
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