The latest news coming from Leeds United as Daniel Farke’s side aim to continue their epic run
Following a resounding 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace last weekend, Leeds United remain undefeated in the Premier League this December. Their next fixture pits them against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light post-Christmas.
With 17 matches under their belt, Leeds sit four points clear of the relegation zone, leaving West Ham United, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the perilous positions. After the clash with the Black Cats, they face two challenging encounters with Liverpool and Manchester United, set to test the resolve of Daniel Farke’s team.
As we approach the festive season, Mirror Football brings you all the latest news from Elland Road.
DCL disagreement emerges
Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has thrown his support behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin for an England call-up. The former Everton striker has been on fire recently, netting six goals in five games. The 28-year-old has demonstrated his versatility by scoring with both feet and his head, showcasing the range of skills he can bring to the forward line.
Calvert-Lewin has donned the England jersey 11 times, scoring four goals, but hasn’t been involved with the squad for five years. However, Rooney believes now is the time.
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On the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show, he commented: “If he’s fit he’s such a handful to play against. He occupies defenders, he competes, he’s great in the air, he’s good in both boxes. The leap on him. We used to do box jumps and I’ve never seen anyone jump as high from a standing jump. Incredible.
“He’s put himself in a position where Thomas Tuchel will have to be looking at him. He needs to keep this form up until the end of the season and then he gives himself a real chance”.
However, former England striker Gary Lineker remained somewhat sceptical compared to Rooney’s assessment. “Yeah of course he has (been in good form). I mean it’s his first good spell for quite some time after a lot of injuries, which have taken its toll,” he remarked on The Rest Is Football.
“We do know there is a very, very good centre-forward in there if he can keep a sustained spell of fitness. But I think at the moment, he should be focusing on carrying on doing what he’s doing at present. I mean England will need a backup nine, but I think Ollie Watkins is way ahead of him at present I would say.”
Ethan Ampadu makes feelings clear on fans
Skipper Ethan Ampadu has lauded the supporters following last weekend’s 4-1 victory over Palace. Despite facing intense scrutiny from fans demanding results last month, Leeds have now strung together five matches without defeat and climbed clear of the relegation zone for the time being.
“It’s so special,” Ampadu told LUTV, reflecting on the post-match scenes. “There have been spells where we’re going around after games where we’re very disappointed with ourselves and rightly so the fans have been.
“But they’ve still shown us that support to encourage us and to keep pushing us on to enjoy moments like that, it’s very good.”
