Wales midfielder Ampadu, who arrived from Chelsea for a reported £7million plus add-ons (BBC Sport, 19 July), has been an ever present for Leeds, starting all 12 of their Championship fixtures and both of their League Cup ties.
Gruev, meanwhile, has yet to start for the Whites and has only made three substitute appearances late off the bench since joining from Werder Bremen for a fee the Football League World said could reach £6m.
The fact Leeds forked out such a significant sum and Gruev still cannot get a look in is testament to the form of not just Ampadu, but of teenager Archie Gray and another summer signing in the shape of Glen Kamara.
But now there might be an opportunity for Farke and supporters alike to take a look at the Bulgaria international.
As referenced by LeedsLive journalist William Jackson, there were some tired looking bodies in the comeback 3-2 win against Norwich City last time out – understandably so.
“Ethan Ampadu’s form appeared to dip a little in Norfolk and the amount of minutes he’s played this season must be noted. The midfielder has been an ever-present for the Whites in all competitions and he’s been involved regularly for Wales, too,” Jackson wrote for LeedsLive (23 October).
“There’s an argument that Ampadu might benefit from sitting one out, then, but his absence would surely be felt given the instrumental role he has played across the opening 12 games of the campaign. Farke does have Ilia Gruev primed and ready to step in when called upon, but given the lack of game time he has been given this season, Leeds fans don’t know too much about what he can add to the team.”
If that doesn’t come against Stoke the the question for Gruev will be when will I get my opportunity? It is impossible to judge him yet because we’ve no idea what he can do in a Leeds shirt.
But the player himself might end up questioning his own future already if he doesn’t get some consistent game time soon and if he does not get the nod against Stoke then perhaps he will start to plan an exit route as early as January.
These are the kind of headaches Farke will absolutely want, though. The German will be delighted to have such quality options available and he will select Gruev when he sees fit.
In other Leeds United news, an FA update on Monday is a reminder to fans to behave.
