Leeds United must be thrilled with Wayne Rooney and Plymouth Argyle at this moment.
Darko Gyabi’s return to Plymouth Argyle from Leeds United this summer raised several questions, but recent performances suggest it’s been a successful move for everyone involved.
After spending the latter half of last season at Home Park, Plymouth Argyle was eager to re-sign the former Manchester City player, whose initial stint in Devon was cut short due to injury.
His ten appearances during that campaign clearly caught the attention of Argyle, leading them to pursue a permanent deal. However, according to Plymouth Live, their approach was turned down over the summer, suggesting Leeds United rates the midfielder highly.
His recent development under Wayne Rooney will undoubtedly be music to the ears of those at Elland Road, as the 20-year-old has made a significant impact during his time at Home Park.
Darko Gyabi Thrives in His Role at Plymouth Argyle
After a challenging stint at Home Park under Ian Foster, Gyabi’s arrival this summer signifies a fresh start, as he has truly settled into his role with Plymouth Argyle under Wayne Rooney’s management.
After a rocky start to the season, questions arose about whether the Leeds loanee could meet the standards required in midfield, especially following the 4-0 opening-day loss to Sheffield Wednesday, which tarnished his reputation.
After beginning the season with a focus on defensive duties, the England youth international has flourished in a more liberated role in midfield, aided by Adam Randell, who handles the defensive duties behind him while Gyabi presses higher up the pitch.
His confidence has soared in recent weeks, highlighted by standout performances in victories against Sunderland, Luton Town, and Blackburn Rovers at Home Park.
Whether showcasing his intensity off the ball or his knack for evading markers to stretch the play, it hasn’t taken long for the midfielder to adapt to his new role in green, benefiting both himself and the team significantly.
Having faced criticism for his early-season displays, Gyabi has transformed into a commanding presence in midfield, showcasing his power and dynamism. His impactful performance against Luton Town exemplifies his newfound confidence and ability to dictate the game.
Darko Gyabi 24/25 Championship Stats (FBRef)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Starts | 8 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass Completion % | 84.9% |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 20 |
| Blocks | 11 |
With Argyle facing a tough situation, Gyabi seized the ball on the edge of his own area and surged the length of the pitch to set up Ibrahim Cissoko for his team’s second goal, leading them to a second consecutive victory at home.
One could argue that just a month earlier, he might not have had the confidence to make that run and would likely have been dispossessed before even reaching the opponent’s penalty area. However, this is a transformed Gyabi, and Rooney deserves significant credit for unlocking the midfielder’s potential.
Leeds United will be thrilled with Darko Gyabi’s progress at Home Park.
With Randell behind him cleaning up loose balls and Rami Al Hajj creating magic up front, Gyabi has been granted more freedom in midfield lately and appears to be thriving as a result.
This will be a welcome sight for Leeds United, who have allowed the young talent to spend a second consecutive season at Home Park.
Having joined Elland Road from Premier League champions Manchester City for £5 million in the summer of 2022, the midfielder has seen limited action, playing just nine minutes for the Whites so far, with his contract running until the summer of 2026.
United’s promotion ambitions may influence the future of their current Argyle loanee, as his performances demonstrate he is more than capable of competing in the Championship, even if the top flight seems just out of reach for now.
Nonetheless, the Yorkshire club will be pleased with what they’re witnessing from their young midfielder in Devon, as his recent outings highlight his quality.
The fact that Daniel Farke will not be recalling him, despite injuries to Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu, will be a relief for those at Home Park, as Gyabi has become an integral part of the Pilgrims’ strategy.
With all parties benefiting from the arrangement, Gyabi will aim to impress for the remainder of the season, striving to repay the faith Rooney has placed in him with a series of standout performances.
Source: https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leeds-united-darko-gyabi-wayne-rooney-plymouth-argyle/
