Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has faced significant injury setbacks this season as he aims for automatic promotion to the Premier League. The loss of his first-choice central midfield pairing, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, who have both been sidelined for the past six weeks, has been a blow. Additionally, summer signing Largie Ramazani is out with an ankle injury sustained during last month’s victory over Watford.

It’s a testament to Leeds United’s squad depth and Daniel Farke’s coaching that the team has not been derailed by significant injuries. With players like Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell stepping up to make an immediate impact, Leeds have continued to push for promotion.

But when all players are fit, what would Farke’s strongest XI look like? Let’s break it down…

Despite Illan Meslier’s high-profile error at Sunderland, the Frenchman remains Leeds United’s undisputed number one goalkeeper. At just 24 years old, Meslier has already racked up 200 appearances for the club and continues to be well ahead of Karl Darlow in the Elland Road pecking order. His experience and consistency make him a vital part of the squad as Leeds push for promotion.

In defence, Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo would likely feature as the full-backs, providing both defensive solidity and attacking support on the wings. At centre-back, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk would form the partnership. Rodon’s experience and leadership, combined with Struijk’s versatility and solid defensive presence, make them an ideal pairing. This back four, assuming fitness, offers a balanced mix of strength, pace, and tactical awareness, crucial for Leeds’ promotion push.

In central midfield, Ethan Ampadu remains a crucial figure for Leeds. His versatility and ability to break up opposition attacks make him a vital cog in the team, providing balance in both defense and midfield. Paired with Ao Tanaka, who has stepped in admirably since the injury to Ilia Gruev, the midfield partnership offers a combination of energy, work rate, and technical ability. Tanaka’s aggressive pressing and passing range complement Ampadu’s more defensive style, allowing the team to control the midfield.

Finally, Brenden Aaronson brings creativity and flair to the midfield. While he has occasionally played in a more advanced role, his intelligence and vision allow him to link up play and add dynamism to Leeds’ attack. His ability to contribute defensively and press high when required fits well into Farke’s high-press system, offering both an attacking threat and additional support in the middle of the park. Together, these three provide a balanced midfield that can control games, win second balls, and break forward effectively.

With Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev both sidelined, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have had the opportunity to impress, and they’ve done so remarkably well, keeping Leeds’ midfield ticking over seamlessly. The chemistry between Tanaka and Rothwell has provided the balance and energy that Farke desires, with both players offering different qualities to the team.

Tanaka’s ability to disrupt opposition play and cover ground quickly has made him a natural fit alongside Rothwell, who is more of a ball carrier and playmaker. This dynamic pairing has worked so well that it raises the question: should Farke revert to his original pairing once Ampadu and Gruev return, or should he stick with the current duo, which has delivered positive results?

Ultimately, with both Ampadu and Gruev being key figures at the start of the season, Farke might be reluctant to drop them, but the performances of Tanaka and Rothwell could force him into a difficult decision. It could even lead to tactical changes, perhaps introducing a more fluid midfield system to accommodate all four players if injury concerns continue to hover over the squad.

When Ethan Ampadu returns to full fitness, he will undoubtedly reclaim his place as one of the first names on the team sheet, with his leadership qualities and versatile defensive capabilities. Ao Tanaka has been outstanding in his absence, playing a crucial role in both breaking up play and transitioning the ball forward. Given his recent form, Tanaka has certainly earned a starting role alongside Ampadu, making their midfield pairing one to watch. Their blend of energy, defensive solidity, and passing range could give Leeds a strong platform in the middle of the park.

As for Brendan Aaronson, the American international has proven to be Leeds’ most creative threat in recent weeks. His ability to link play and contribute with goals and assists in an attacking midfield role has made him indispensable. His movement and vision in the final third are qualities that Farke can build around, providing the perfect balance to Ampadu and Tanaka’s more defensive and combative attributes.

With Aaronson in the central attacking midfield role, Leeds would have a midfield trio that balances defensive solidity with creativity and attacking threat, giving Farke the tools to dominate possession and create chances from midfield. The competition for places is fierce, but when everyone is fit, this combination looks like Leeds’ most potent midfield setup.

In attack, Wilfried Gnonto is undoubtedly one of Leeds’ most dangerous players when fit. His pace, dribbling, and creativity make him a constant threat on the left flank, where he can both cut inside and deliver dangerous balls into the box or take on defenders. Despite fierce competition for places, Gnonto’s quality and explosive ability at this level set him apart as a key player for Leeds moving forward.

Largie Ramazani was beginning to hit his stride before his ankle injury, showcasing the kind of flair and creativity that Leeds were hoping for when they signed him. His ability to stretch defenses, deliver dangerous crosses, and cut inside makes him an exciting option on the right. He could be the spark Leeds need to replicate Crysencio Summerville’s influence from last season, offering a dynamic and unpredictable presence in attack.

Up top, Mateo Joseph has shown that he’s more than capable of leading the line, with his work rate, pace, and sharp finishing making him a strong option. While he’s had to share playing time with Joel Piroe, the young Spaniard’s movement and energy have made him an intriguing option for Farke. Piroe, on the other hand, has thrived in a supersub role, consistently finding the back of the net and offering a crucial impact off the bench, which is a weapon Leeds can continue to use. However, when all players are fit, Joseph’s pace and work ethic likely make him the most promising option to lead the line.

This attacking trio of Gnonto, Joseph, and Ramazani gives Leeds a mix of pace, creativity, and clinical finishing, making them a potent force capable of breaking down the toughest Championship defenses. The competition for places in attack is intense, but when fully fit, this trio offers Leeds a highly dynamic and exciting forward line.