The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 22nd September) - Stuart Dallas Returns to Training

[Ellandback1]

Good Morning, it's Friday 22nd September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road


Dallas given warm reception after reporting back for training

After 18 months on the sidelines with a broken femur, (and subsequent knee problems) Stuart Dallas is on the comeback trail. The versatile 32 year old was given a warm reception after reporting back for training at Thorp Arch yesterday, under the supervision of Rob Price, (Leeds head of Medicine and Performance). Whilst it may be a little while yet until we see the Northern Ireland International back in action, yesterday marks a major step in his rehabilitation.

Dallas, a £1.3m signature from Brentford eight years ago has made 267 appearances for the Whites in various positions all over the pitch. He is a Northern Ireland International (63 caps) and a favourite amongst his peers. Many Leeds stars from the past and present took to social media to wish him well with his comeback.

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Cresswell or Cooper?

Leeds Utd Manager Daniel Farke has a big decision to make ahead of tomorrow's crunch tie against Watford. With Joe Roden suspended (for one game), following his red card at Hull, the gaffer needs to decide whether to go with youth or experience! Cooper obviously has the maturity, but after six weeks on the treatment table, looked a little rusty during his 30 minute cameo role midweek.

The other option would be Charlie Cresswell. He is the natural right-sided option, meaning Farke wouldn't need to move Pascal Struijk out of position; but the England U21 International has only started one league game this season (away at Birmingham City), and may also not be up to speed. Leeds have kept three clean sheets in a row, and with Mileta Rajovic expected to be amongst the favourites for top (Championship) goalscorer this season, Farke needs to make sure the Whites defence is water tight.





Farke praises Summerville's attitude

Crysencio Summerville's attitude has always been a bone of contention, ever since arriving at Elland Road three years ago, yet it's fair to say he has grown up a lot in the last twelve months. After relegation, it was assumed that Summerville would be on one of the first planes out of West Yorkshire, but perhaps we were doing him a disservice. He's got his head down, he's working hard in training, and it's showing in the pitch.

With a 7.58 average, the 21 year old is currently Leeds best player this campaign (according to Whoscored), closely followed by Rutter and Piroe. He was dropped unexpectedly for the Hull game in favour of Dan James, and instead of sulking, made a real impact when bought on earlier than expected when Gnonto was injured. Speaking after the game, Manager Daniel Farke was quick to praise Summerville’s attitude, and reaction to being dropped...

Yes, 100 per cent, because this is exactly what we need, to think about the side [and] don't be annoyed when you're sometimes not in the starting line-up. It's more like when you're on the pitch, give everything for this group. It was not just a case of dropping him for James. We also got the feeling with Cree (Summerville) it was a really good performance at Millwall, but he had a difficult pre-season. [He] also came just out of injury, then he had a knock against a shoulder, also a few problems with his food.

So it made sense, three games within six days, I also need his creativity in the next home game, to start him from the bench and to bring him in when the game is a bit more settled. Sadly, I had to bring him in earlier than I actually wanted. His reaction, not just in possession, because he’s an outstanding creative player, we know this, but also how hard he worked for the team. This is exactly what we need and many compliments to him.

[Chilli D]

Pretty sure DF will go with Cooper despite the fact it mean we have two left sided CB's playing.

[Jaydog]

What problems did CS have with his food?
Nando’s or Macky D’s. Tough decision in fairness

[mentalcase]

Morning all.
That was a close one, had just got ready to set off to ER on the train when the missus asked "why are you laking on friday afternoon" ?
Oh bollocks, head all over t' place at the moment.

Stuart Dallas, modern day legend I suppose, in his time here he's been nothing short of inspirational and professional in every way, would love to see him back in action, although would understand if he decided not to.

Anyway, no doubt we'll end up with 2 left sided defenders, mystifying really, cooper when good is good, otherwise he's suspect to say the least. CC will only gain experience by game time, not sat waiting till cooper retires in 6 seasons time, personally looks as though we'll bring in another CH infront of Charlie.

Well done Cry, it's a long hard season where everyone (CC ?) will/should get their chances, although CS is way at the top of the list, if DJ keeps up with those performances Cry will always be first choice and only rested as a precaution, nothing else, CS is by far the better winger we have, that includes gnonto as well imho.

[Kennyb41]

Early comeback days but good to see Dallas thinks he still has future playing days ahead of him.

Is Ampadu DF's other option to drop into CH ?

I think DJ is the better option to be coming off the bench to run at people, and Jimmy starting rather than coming on as a sub.

[Orange Box]

What problems did CS have with his food?
Nando’s or Macky D’s. Tough decision in fairness

Problem was he shared a dining table with FB McKinnie.

[Jaydog]

Problem was he shared a dining table with FB McKinnie.

That’s why he’s so slim then. No way you beat him to a burger

[Orange Box]

Early comeback days but good to see Dallas thinks he still has future playing days ahead of him.

Is Ampadu DF's other option to drop into CH ?

I think DJ is the better option to be coming off the bench to run at people, and Jimmy starting rather than coming on as a sub.

That’s a good call imo, problem is I think Archie needs a rest, so it would mean Kamara and Gruev in the middle. I don’t know how their trainings going but neither has match legs and are obviously an unknown pairing.

[GreennWhite]

At some point Farke has to play some fresh players, he cant keep going with the likes of Ampadu and Gray all the time regardless of how well they are both playing. He see`s Gruev and Kamara day in day out in training so should know what they can and cant do, but its down to the players if they get their chance. Farke can only do so much, once they step on the pitch its down to them to prove a point.
I also think Farke will go with Cooper, just for his experience, but whether Cooper can do a good job is anyone's guess as he has been out for quite a few weeks.
Great to hear that CS is getting praised for his attitude. He is going to be a vital part of this side and we need him firing on all cylinders.
Fingers well and truly crossed for Stuart Dallas, it would be great to see him back playing. You know what your going to get from him, he plays for the shirt.

[Kennyb41]

That’s a good call imo, problem is I think Archie needs a rest, so it would mean Kamara and Gruev in the middle. I don’t know how their trainings going but neither has match legs and are obviously an unknown pairing.

He'll go with LC, the more suitable player for his style, rather than gamble with an inferior ball playing defender that's rather rash in thought and execution of any pass, he's ok for the odd deadball situation, but so is LC if i remember correctly.

[1964white]

Early comeback days but good to see Dallas thinks he still has future playing days ahead of him.

Is Ampadu DF's other option to drop into CH ?

I think DJ is the better option to be coming off the bench to run at people, and Jimmy starting rather than coming on as a sub.

We were poor in midfield for the first 45 minutes when Ampadu played as a CB vs Shrewsbury, as soon as Ethan was moved back into his customary position for the second-half we totally controlled the match.

No need to make unnecessary changes when we have Cooper or Cresswell to call on.

[1964white]

I'm unconvinced we'll keep a clean sheet without Rodon at the back, tomorrow.

[1964white]

Morning all.
That was a close one, had just got ready to set off to ER on the train when the missus asked "why are you laking on friday afternoon" ?
Oh bollocks, head all over t' place at the moment.

Living up to your username mate

[mentalcase]

Living up to your username mate

Not only that, I was waiting for tomorrow for bristol tickets and theyr'e today

[malcolmw]

I also think he'll go with Coops. If so he doesn't need Bill for the captain's armband, so could replace him with Cresswell and have Cresswell Cooper Struijk and Byrum as back 4.
I dont like the idea of dropping Ampadu back - don't mess with what's working.

I think we'll start seeing more of Kamara, Anthony and Gruev. Fitness must be improving sufficiently and they need minutes.

[Musicman1965]

Its certainly great news to see Stuart Dallas returning to training. Since his last game was against Man City in 2022 there has been considerable changes at Leeds United. Players in and players leaving! Managers? Club owners anyone out there to look into the big list.
I wish SD well but fear that his return to the Leeds squad will only result in a bit part role. Its a difficult situation but SD will only be allowed to play in the first team if he meets DF high standards, no room for sentiment if he is fit and can do the job, we will see him grace the field once again.

[60sUnited]

I wish Stuart Dallas all the best and really hope he can get a place back in the team, he always gave his all no matter what position he was asked to play......if we had 11 players with his attitude (which we now might have) we would always be challenging at the top.

[geronimo]

Hard to see Dallas been anything like that the same player before the injury but good look to him
Been a good servant to the club and a far better utility player than Shackleton

[PhoenixUnited]

Its certainly great news to see Stuart Dallas returning to training. Since his last game was against Man City in 2022 there has been considerable changes at Leeds United. Players in and players leaving! Managers? Club owners anyone out there to look into the big list.
I wish SD well but fear that his return to the Leeds squad will only result in a bit part role. Its a difficult situation but SD will only be allowed to play in the first team if he meets DF high standards, no room for sentiment if he is fit and can do the job, we will see him grace the field once again.

Same here. It is marvellous to see Stuart Dallas back training again but also it is a long road back. I don't think he will be ready to more than part of matches this the remainder of this season provided, of course, he can get back to full fitness. He is 32 years of age and I imagine that we might get this season and perhaps the next one if he can return to first team duty. Anything else is a bonus IMHO