Leeds United will regret not capturing more squad depth if they fail to deliver promotion this season, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, has discussed the nuances of the transfer market in the winter for the Whites, who lead the Championship table.
Daniel Farke gave several of his fringe players an outing on Saturday (8 February) but were beaten 2-0 at Elland Road by Millwall in the FA Cup fourth round tie.
Darke says Leeds United must show all-round squad quality
Farke made wholesale changes for Saturday’s cup exit, as only Ethan Ampadu kept his starting place from the midweek win at Coventry City to solidify Leeds’ place at the top of the league table.
It was an opportunity missed for several players knocking on the manager’s door for further opportunities.
It is largely expected that Farke will revert to type in some tough upcoming Championship fixtures, but there could be a recruitment inquest if promotion is somehow a failed task again this season.
“I think Leeds have been going along fine with what they’ve got – I said they didn’t really need Cameron Archer – but a little bit of cover for someone like Piroe may not have been the worst idea, only if they could get some quality in,” Darke said.
“That sort of insurance is key because you want good squad depth. Leeds have got Sunderland, Sheffield United and West Brom in a row soon and need to continue to show their quality throughout the squad.
“If they don’t go up, there’ll be an inquest into a lot of aspects including their transfer recruitment, but I still think they’re the best team in the division.
Leeds must continue league form
While Leeds’ second string were underwhelming at the weekend, the first-choice side must continue to justify their selection when they take on Watford next up on Tuesday night (11 February).
The three aforementioned potential deciders come next, with little room for error – should Farke’s team win the majority of the next four, they will have taken their largest stride yet towards the Premier League.
With comfortably the best attacking output in the division and a defensive record only bettered by Burnley, Leeds look in pole position but Farke could be reassessing how much he can rely on his benchwarmers, with Paraag Marathe looking on in expectation.
