Leeds United host Norwich City at Elland Road on Thursday in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final with an interesting dilemma for the bosses only four days after first leg
Fluidity in Leeds United’s attacking play led by Georginio Rutter against Norwich City’s tall and physical defenders was an asset Daniel Farke liked a lot in Sunday’s draw. The German will know David Wagner can read his post-match comments, but unless Thursday’s visitors inject agility serum into their centre-backs, there’s not much they can do about that movement.
That is, of course, unless the Canaries commit to a low block which restricts space behind their backline. Sitting off Leeds will give their hosts much time and possession to craft their moves while Norwich look for chances to counter.
Rutter has neither scored nor assisted since his hernia surgery in the March international break. A position change on Sunday did not radically improve his performance on the field either, but Farke’s comments about mobility and pace would suggest the Frenchman could retain his start at Elland Road.
We wanted to be flexible,” said Farke. “Sometimes Georgi Rutter [is a] bit like a false nine to allow them to change positions because it’s one of our strengths, our mobility, our pace.
Shane Duffy, who was cautioned for clearing out Crysencio Summerville on Sunday, and Ben Gibson are likely to remain in central defence. Grant Hanley, equally physical and experienced, is Wagner’s alternative.
Farke must decide whether Joel Piroe or, as some fans would like, Mateo Joseph are better options through the centre when Rutter is in such a poor run of form.
Especially once you play [against] such a physical and tall back four, you have to invest in movements and I encourage them to do this even more,” he said.
