Ilia Gruev’s Leeds United journey is expected to improve after a challenging start, according to pundit Paul Robinson.
The Bulgarian international, who recently arrived from Werder Bremen, has encountered a tough beginning at Elland Road. According to Transfermarkt, he has only played for three minutes in all competitions this season. While it’s common for new signings to require time to integrate into a squad, Leeds fans may have anticipated a more significant contribution from Gruev.
Leeds boasts considerable depth in the positions where Gruev typically plays. Ethan Ampadu has firmly established himself as a defensive midfielder, and Glen Kamara has proven to be a reliable option for manager Daniel Farke in that role. Dislodging a well-established starting eleven is a challenging task, particularly when the team is achieving success.
Nevertheless, Robinson believes that Gruev will eventually get his opportunity. When Leeds faces more midweek fixtures, Farke will need to utilize the entire squad to achieve results. Robinson highlights that this will provide a chance for fringe players to showcase their abilities.
In an exclusive conversation with MOT Leeds News, Robinson commented, “I think Gruev probably understands the current state of the team. It’s difficult to break into a side that is performing well, winning matches, and scoring goals. He did make a brief appearance over the weekend, but it’s still early in the season. We tend to forget that we’ve only had the second international break. Players like Gruev will need to be patient.”
Robinson went on to emphasize the challenges of the Championship season, often regarded as one of the toughest leagues in the world. The demanding schedule, with matches played on Saturdays and Tuesdays, is about to intensify after the international break. He anticipates that the squad will be put to the test to the fullest extent, providing an opportunity for players who have had limited game time so far to make their mark between now and the end of the season.