Daniel Farke given Leeds United new selection dilemma as player loses ‘magic dust’

Daniel Farke faces a major selection dilemma ahead of Leeds United’s play-off semi-final second leg against his former club Norwich City. In the absence of Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter was tasked with leading the line at Carrow Road.

It’s a role Rutter has rarely played since the start of the year. The Frenchman looked much more comfortable in the no. 10 than when he was sent as a center forward.

Since undergoing hernia surgery during international form, Rutter’s form has dipped. He put in another quiet display as the Whites were held to a goalless draw.

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Pundit Jon Newsome didn’t hold back in his criticism of Rutter after the first round. Newsome felt Joel Piroe offered more than Rutter after coming on as a substitute in the final quarter of the contest.

Newsome told BBC Radio Leeds: “I hate to say it but he was very poor today. Nothing stuck. He’s the kind of player that really frustrates you, but also has that little glimmer of magic.

“That magic dust is gone for the moment and he’s been missing for a while. Joel Piroe came on, I thought Norwich looked a bit on their feet and looked a bit tired, so that gives you an advantage.

“When you have fresh legs, I think he (Piroe) had a bigger impact in the last 20-25 minutes than Rutter had all game. It certainly gives Daniel Farke food for Thursday night in his selection.”