“From the first day he walked in, he was humble, hard working & patient, Always the first one in and last one out, One of the most-professional players i have ever worked with”- Daniel Farke hails Leeds star as he praises player for recent form
Ilia Gruev has started the last three games for Leeds United and sparkled as Daniel Farke’s men continue to put pressure on the top three – and the German has applauded his new midfield general.
A £4m signing from Werder Bremen in the summer, Gruev has had to wait for a chance. Only two starts before the turn of the year. But then, two league starts in a row, with injuries in the middle of defence.
Wins over both Cardiff City and then Preston, have seen Gruev not only start – but last the entire 90 minutes. Ethan Ampadu is deputising for the injured Pascal Struijk in defence, given Gruev a chance.
He’s grabbing it with both hands and having starred in the last two league games, Gruev earned praise in Tuesday’s press conference on the club’s YouTube. Farke praised the Leeds star’s hard-working ethic.
Both behind the scenes – as the first one in and the last one out – and, that he covers more distance than any other player on the pitch, teammates and opposition. He is starting to prove his £4m price tag.
“He is always solid, always reliable and plays in possession with very rare mistakes. He is good on the ball, disciplined, professional and has a top, top work ethic.
“If you are like this on the pitch, you can imagine off the pitch he is exactly like this. From the first day he walked in, he was modest, humble, hard working and also patient.
“He waited for his chance, but was the first one in and last one off the training pitch. He was always interested and in with our sports science team to add a bit more strength to his body.
“He is one of the most professional players I have ever worked with. He is definitely on the right path and we are happy that we have.”
At 23, Gruev is not just United’s present, but also their future and can be expected to grow further under Farke, hopefully alongside the likes of Archie Gray and Mateo Joseph and a number of others.
Gruev has been sensational in the past two games, also earning praise from former Leeds manager Neil Redfearn. But, when everyone is fit, does he start? You would imagine he would return to the bench.
Glen Kamara and Ampadu have formed a near-unbreakable bond in the middle and with Archie Gray on the right, it is going to be difficult for Gruev to break in long term. But, he is doing everything he can.
