Following his transfer from Werder Bremen, Ilia Gruev has struggled to make an impact at Leeds United. He is yet to make an appearance for the Whites, and Daniel Farke has provided an explanation.

A day before the deadline, Gruev, 23, joined Leeds, costing the team £4 million. He came to us from Werder Bremen, where he had previously played frequently in Germany’s top division. but isn’t playing right now.

Ilia Gruev has only played for three minutes during three substitute cameos so far this season after joining for £5 million from Werder Bremen in the summer.

This season’s performances of Ethan Ampadu, who has appeared indestructible, along with the fact that Archie Gray and Glen Kamara share the other midfield position and are both really talented players, haven’t helped his cause.

It’s not difficult to say that the Bulgarian player has played more games for his nation than he has for Leeds. Gruev has only appeared on the field three times for Leeds, each time for a brief period of time. In four games, not utilized.

The question of whether Gruev’s minutes rely on whether or not Ethan Ampadu can play, and if so, if Gruev can play alongside him, was put to Farke regarding Gruev’s lack of playing time. He praised Gruev’s outlook on life.

However, with the short turnaround between Saturday and the trip to Stoke City on Wednesday night, Farke would be inclined to make changes in order to keep his lineup fresh.

That might incorporate Gruev, who was reportedly questioned during his pre-game press conference:

“It’s up to them to prove this once they play together. I have to say I’m really happy with Ilia, he came pretty late, really humble guy but with a good record, he’s played two years on Bundesliga level, a good level last season, a regular starter for Bulgaria.

“I was tempted to unleash him before because he was training at top level, but really top performances by players in his position. You are not so tempted to change too much from game-to-game, players in his position, Ethan Ampadu has been outstanding, Archie [too] when he was in midfield, Glen Kamara has had an impact. We are all happy we have him, top, top teammate.”

Given that he has such a powerful framework in place that is advantageous to him, it has been difficult for Farke to consider changing things.

He’ll need to make adjustments in the middle of the field at some point, and this match against Stoke might be it.

Whether he steps in to replace Ampadu or Kamara, Gruev has more than enough talent to keep things moving in our side.

Gruev is in a precarious circumstance. Although Ampadu is placed ahead of him, he is more suited for the holding midfield position. Fantastic performance by the Wales star. Ampadu won’t be allowed to rest if he is well.

Gruev might be brought in when Ampadu receives two more yellow cards and is thus facing suspension. Has he ever played with Ampadu? Both lack the offensive skills to support Leeds’ front four players, thus it seems unlikely.

But it’s fantastic to learn about the Bulgarian and get an update. It is encouraging to see that he is working hard in the gym and that the manager is still taking notice of him even though he is not playing. He soon makes a start.