Three ways Leeds United could line up after sealing Joe Rothwell transfer

There is just over a month to go until Leeds United begin their 2024/25 season at home to Portsmouth and Daniel Farke’s squad is starting to take shape. Three new faces are through the door, with Joe Rothwell the latest new recruit.

Rothwell, drafted in on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, has bags of Championship and Premier League experience under his belt. The 29-year-old joined Bournemouth on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers after the Cherries secured promotion to the top flight. He racked up 35 appearances during two seasons at the club, helping Bournemouth retain their Premier League status.

Rothwell, who started his career at Manchester United, ended last season on loan at Southampton. He played 16 times for the Saints, scoring four Championship goals as they sealed an instant Premier League return.

Read more: Joe Rothwell opens up on his Leeds United transfer, Daniel Farke and Elland Road experiences

Pre-season is an opportunity for managers to trial different tactics and systems and it will be fascinating to see where Rothwell fits in at Elland Road. Here are three ways United could line up following Rothwell’s addition:

Deeper midfield role

Rothwell is a ball-carrying number eight but can be deployed anywhere in a midfield three. “I like to pick the ball up from deeper and drive with the ball, that is one of the main qualities I possess and has served me well throughout my career and it is something I will try to emulate here and hopefully the fans will enjoy that as well,” said Rothwell.

It is worth pointing out that Rothwell is not guaranteed to be a regular starter as manager Daniel Farke has some excellent midfield options at his disposal. Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara and Ethan Ampadu would walk into most Championship teams.

But assuming Farke keeps faith with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Rothwell could partner Gruev, Kamara or Ampadu in the middle of the park. Playing Rothwell in a deeper position, though, would potentially limit his ability to get forward and make things happen in the final third.

One thing is for sure, Farke will not want to leave his defence light on protection. Balance is important in the centre and Kamara and Ampadu have shown in the past that they can effectively break up play and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. A natural holding midfielder has to start to provide Rothwell with the platform to bomb on and join the attack.

It remains a mystery where Ampadu will play next season following Joe Rodon’s return. Will he line up at centre-back? Or will Farke shift him back into the middle of the park? All will be revealed over the coming weeks!

United (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Byram, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Rothwell; Gnonto, Rutter, Summerville; Bamford

No 10 position

Play Rothwell higher up the pitch, leaving Gruev, Kamara or Ampadu to dictate proceedings in a 4-2-3-1 shape. Rothwell has got an eye for goal so give him the licence to create havoc at the business end of the pitch.

Given Georginio Rutter starred in that role in the second half of last season, it would be a huge call for Farke to change his playmaker. We know Rutter prefers to play centrally rather than out wide. Getting the best out of him on a consistent basis could hold the key to their hopes of going one better next term.

But Rothwell’s versatility is a major string to his bow and does allow Farke to mix things up in attack and keep the opposition guessing.

United (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Byram, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Gruev; Rutter, Rothwell, Summerville; Bamford.

New system

Perhaps the easiest way to get Rothwell into the starting XI. A three-man midfield could be made up of Rothwell, Gruev and Ampadu (Kamara might have something to say about that if he does not move on to pastures new this summer).

More of the defensive work would fall on Gruev and Ampadu’s shoulders, freeing up Rothwell to be that link between the midfield and forward line. The drawback with the 4-3-3 system is that Farke would have to leave out another attacking player to accommodate Rothwell.

Yet much will hinge on whether Gnonto and Summerville stay put. United have got an array of attacking talent, including Bamford, Joel Piroe, Daniel James and Brenden Aaronson. It is impossible for Farke to squeeze everyone in and some players will be left disappointed.

United (4-3-3): Meslier; Byram, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Rothwell, Gruev; Gnonto, Rutter, Summerville.