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

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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.

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