Attacking Phase Breakdown: How Leeds United Builds Up Under Farke

If you've watched Leeds United in the 2025/26 Premier League season, you've likely noticed a pattern: the build-up is deliberate, structured, yet often frustratingly slow against low blocks. Under Daniel Farke, the attacking phase is not about chaos—it's about controlled progression. But how exactly does this system work, and why does it sometimes stall?

Below is a tactical checklist that breaks down the key phases of Leeds United's build-up play under Farke. Use this as a guide to understand what you're seeing on the pitch, whether at Elland Road or on the broadcast.

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1. The Goalkeeper as the First Outlet

The build-up starts with the goalkeeper. Farke insists on playing out from the back, even under pressure. The centre-backs split wide, and the full-backs push high. The goalkeeper—whether it's Illan Meslier or a deputy—must be comfortable with short passes to either centre-back or the defensive midfielder dropping deep.

Checklist:

• Goalkeeper receives the ball and scans for options.
• Centre-backs (Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon, or Ethan Ampadu) position wide, near the edges of the box.
• Defensive midfielder (Ilya Gruev or Ethan Ampadu) drops between the centre-backs to create a 3v2 or 3v3 against the first line of pressure.
• If pressed aggressively, the goalkeeper plays a direct ball to the wide forward (e.g., Brenden Aaronson or Wilfried Gnonto) in the half-space.

> Key observation: When the opposition commits two forwards to press, Gruev's movement is critical. He must receive the ball in space and turn to face play. If he's marked, the build-up stalls.

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2. Full-Backs as Width Providers

Once the ball progresses past the first line, the full-backs (Jayden Bogle on the right, Junior Firpo or Sam Byram on the left) push high and wide. They are the primary width providers. The wingers—Aaronson, Gnonto, or Dan James—tuck inside into half-spaces, creating overloads in central areas.

Checklist:

• Full-backs stay high and wide, stretching the opposition's defensive line.
• Wingers drift inside, occupying the gaps between centre-back and full-back.
• The ball is circulated through the centre-backs and defensive midfielder to switch play to the opposite full-back.

> Tactical note: Against a compact 4-4-2 low block, the full-backs often receive the ball with time and space. The challenge is crossing accuracy—Leeds have room for improvement in this area during the 2025/26 season.

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3. The Double Pivot in Midfield

Farke typically uses a double pivot of Ilya Gruev and Anton Stach (or Ethan Ampadu and Gruev). This pairing is responsible for progression through the middle third. One midfielder drops to receive from the centre-backs, while the other pushes higher to receive between the lines.

Checklist:

• The deeper midfielder (Gruev) scans for the ball and receives on the half-turn.
• The advanced midfielder (Stach) finds space between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines.
• If the opposition presses the deeper midfielder, the ball is played wide to the full-back or centre-back, who then looks for the advanced midfielder.

> Key observation: Stach's ability to receive under pressure is vital. When he is isolated, Leeds struggle to break through.

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4. The Number 10 and the Half-Space

Brenden Aaronson operates as the central attacking midfielder (the "number 10"). His role is to find space in the half-spaces—the channels between the opposition's centre-backs and full-backs. From here, he can turn, drive at the defence, or play a through ball to the striker.

Checklist:

• Aaronson drifts into the left or right half-space, depending on the ball's location.
• He receives the ball with his back to goal, then spins or lays off to a runner.
• If the opposition's central midfielders track him, space opens for Stach or the full-back.

> Tactical note: Aaronson's movement is unpredictable, but it's also why his passing completion is lower than a traditional playmaker. He attempts riskier passes into the box. He is among the team's assist leaders in the 2025/26 season.

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5. The Striker's Role: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the focal point. He leads the line, holds up the ball, and makes runs in behind. Under Farke, the striker is not just a finisher—he's a creator of space.

Checklist:

• Calvert-Lewin drops deep to link play when the midfield is under pressure.
• He makes diagonal runs toward the far post when the ball is wide.
• He holds off centre-backs to allow wingers or the number 10 to arrive late.

> Key observation: Calvert-Lewin is Leeds' top scorer in the 2025/26 season. However, his hold-up play is inconsistent against physical centre-backs. When he wins aerial duels, the second ball often falls to Aaronson or Gnonto.

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6. The Wide Forwards: Inverted and Direct

Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James (or Lukas Nmecha) operate as inverted wingers. They start wide but cut inside onto their stronger foot. This creates space for the overlapping full-back.

Checklist:

• The winger receives the ball wide, then cuts inside to shoot or pass.
• The full-back overlaps, providing a crossing option.
• If the winger is double-teamed, he plays a reverse pass to the central midfielder or switches play.

> Tactical note: Nmecha, when used as a wide forward, offers a different profile—he's more direct and powerful. His assists in the 2025/26 season come from crosses and cutbacks.

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7. Transition Moments: The Counter-Press

When Leeds lose the ball in the attacking third, they counter-press immediately. Farke's system demands that the nearest three players—usually the striker, the number 10, and one winger—close down the ball carrier.

Checklist:

• The player who lost the ball presses the opponent immediately.
• The nearest teammate covers the passing lane to the nearest defender.
• The defensive midfielder (Gruev or Ampadu) steps up to prevent the opponent from turning.

> Key observation: This is where Leeds are most dangerous. If they win the ball high up the pitch, they have a 4v3 or 3v2 advantage. Calvert-Lewin's runs in these moments often create chances.

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8. The Final Third: Patience vs. Penetration

In the final third, Leeds face a dilemma: patience or directness. Against a deep block, they circulate the ball, waiting for a gap. Against a higher line, they play through balls behind.

Checklist:

• If the opposition sits deep, Leeds work the ball from side to side to stretch the defence.
• If the opposition presses, they play a through ball to Calvert-Lewin or a runner from midfield.
• Crosses are aimed to the far post or the penalty spot, where the number 10 arrives late.

> Tactical note: Leeds' conversion rate in the final third is a concern. The build-up is often good, but the final pass or finish is lacking.

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Summary Table: Key Roles in the Build-Up

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Conclusion: The Farke Blueprint

Leeds United's attacking phase under Daniel Farke is a structured, possession-based system that relies on positional discipline, quick transitions, and intelligent movement. It's not always pretty—especially against a packed defence—but it's designed to create overloads in the final third.

The key to success? Execution in the final pass. If Aaronson, Stach, or the wingers can find Calvert-Lewin or a late runner with consistency, Leeds will create more chances. If not, the build-up becomes a possession exercise without penetration.

For more on how Leeds press and trap opponents, check out our analysis on Farke's pressing tactics and the pressing from the front three. And if you want to understand the specific zones where Leeds trap opponents, read our breakdown of Farke's pressing trap zones.

Final thought: Watching Leeds build up is like watching a chess match. Every move is deliberate. The question is whether the endgame delivers.