The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 9th December) Whites go second after comfortable win
Good Morning. It's Monday 9th December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Whites go second after comfortable win
Joe Rodon and Max Wober fired Leeds back to the automatic promotion places with a comfortable victory over a well organised Derby County team on Saturday lunchtime.
The cogs were once again turning in unison as the Whites used their attacking options from both flanks to move the visitors out of position; patiently creating openings whilst retaining the ball. Although not a walk in the park which many suggested (it never is), Farke's side rarely had to step out of third gear, conserving their energy for what lies ahead.
Joe Rodon put Leeds one-up on 39 minutes with only his second league goal of his career - even more astonishingly, it came from a corner (their second of the season from 134 attempts). With the deadlock now broken, the visitors lost much of the impetus, and started to look vulnerable!
Max Wober, a 20th minute substitute for Junior Firpo, dealt the Rams a hammer blow just before the interval, popping up in the six yard area to double the Whites advantage. Surrounded by three defenders, the RB Salzburg target stayed focused after James fluffed his lines, as the ball landed kindly for him to smash home from close range.
Zetterstrom pulled off a string of fine saves from James, Tanaka and Piroe in the second half, to keep the damage to a minimal; but Derby never looked like troubling the visitors. It was a much better performance from Leeds. They were so much better organised, and had a game plan which the visitors could not compete with - long may it continue!
Should Leeds keep hold of Wober
Max Wober still has a lot to prove, and to make amends for, after deserting the Whites in their hour of need. He had just been entrusted with the Captains armband when he jumped ship in favour of a loan move with Borussia Mönchengladbach, expected never to be heard of again!
Eighteen months later, Wober finds himself back in contention for first team action by way of injuries to Junior Firpo and Sam Byram, given his faultless display against Derby. Written off by so many, the versatile defender gave the Elland Road faithful a glimpse into what they would be missing out on, if the 49ers were to sell him back to RB Salzburg next month.
Given he's contracted to the Whites until the Summer of 2027, there's no immediate rush to sell him, but money talks. If Leeds can recoup the £10m (or more) that they paid for him almost two yeas ago, would they be stupid not to take it, and perhaps help fund a big January signing either up front or No 10 role?