Josuha Guilavogui made his Leeds United debut in a 3-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle, and the defensive midfielder’s joy was met with a reaction from former Whites target Nadiem Amiri.
Ahead of Burnley’s Championship matchup with Millwall later today, Leeds easily defeated a struggling Plymouth Argyle team 3-0 at Elland Road, securing their second-place standing in the league.
Leeds dominated the first half and ended the match with three goals in seven minutes before halftime. Joel Piroe doubled the lead just two minutes after Dan James started the score with a strong shot into the top corner from the area’s fringe.
After the ball broke free in the box, Brenden Aaronson calmly tucked home the third goal to cap off an impressive first half display. After that, Leeds was able to add three debutants late in the second half as Daniel Farke’s team easily won.
At 3-0, they were so at ease that Guilavogui was joined in action by Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers. The latter joined on October 23 but was not utilized as a substitute in his matchday squad debut against Bristol City. His complete debut came at the perfect time to join the team.
Although he had a great debut, he was introduced in the final fifteen minutes of the match. Guilavogui won six of his eight duels, completed 22 of 23 passes, and made all three of his tackles, according to FotMob. The 34-year-old’s 29 touches during his brief but impactful 15-minute cameo demonstrated his eagerness to jump right in.
Nadiem Amiri and Josuha Guilavogui respond to Leeds’ debut
After Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev sustained long-term injuries, the Whites needed a defensive midfielder. Although a number of names were connected to a transfer to Elland Road, it soon became clear that Farke preferred Guilavogui. In the end, he signed a contract with Leeds that lasted until the conclusion of the season.
Although no Leeds supporter would advocate replacing Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka right now, they cannot be expected to play every minute. Based on his Plymouth performance, the seasoned utility player should provide adequate cover. At one, he met Amiri because of his extensive expertise.FSV Mainz 05.
Guilavogui was on the same team as Mateusz Klich at Wolfsburg and played with Kevin De Bruyne during his breakthrough season. In July 2023, the Bundesliga team fired him. That summer, he was signed by Mainz, a German team, with whom he played just 12 games the previous season, including six starts.
He expressed how he felt about making his debut on Instagram. “What a day to start with all of YOU!” remarked Guilavogui. It’s more than just an anthem—Marching on Together!
“I’ll memorize it quickly 👊🏻.” Leeds United is up next.Thank you so much 💛 💙 MOT.
Before moving from Leverkusen to Mainz, Amiri was a target for Leeds; the midfielder even traveled to the UK for negotiations before deciding to back out. He replied, “Boss ❤️,” to Guilavogui’s message.
The possible effects of Josuha Guilavogui at Leeds
After playing for Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, and Bordeaux throughout the years, the former France international, who earned seven caps for his nation, will offer a wealth of experience to the West Yorkshire team.
Leeds were in a difficult situation with regard to their deeper midfield options because Ampadu was out until almost January and Gruev might not return to the first team until nearer March. Since Tanaka and Rothwell are currently the only senior players available in midfield, Guilavogui provides a cool head to the first team.
Given that Tanaka and Rothwell are not as defensive-minded as a player like Guilavogui, Leeds needed a man who can play both center-back and defensive midfield with ease. The primary concern with some midfield alternatives is whether they possess the defensive stability to fill in for Ampadu and Gruev in every midfield scenario over the long run.
Amiri, who has so far been a successful addition to Mainz, is likely to anger a lot of Leeds supporters with his response after he rejected the club’s offer to remain in Germany’s top division last summer.