Keeping everyone fresh and sharp in his Leeds United squad is Daniel Farke's objective over the festive period. Eyebrows were raised over his decision to drop Ao Tanaka to the bench at Stoke City on Boxing Day.

Farke wanted to give Tanaka a breather after a gruelling schedule and was convinced his team needed Ethan Ampadu's steel and physicality in the midfield engine room. Some supporters questioned Farke's decision.

But Ampadu produced an assured performance in the middle of the park alongside Joe Rothwell. The visitors enjoyed over 76 per cent of possession and had 20 attempts at goal compared to the Potters three in a one-sided contest.

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"It was a huge call taking Tanaka out," former United star Stuart Dallas. "For me, he has been their best player this season. It was a big, big call but one that paid off. I don't know what he is going to do (in midfield) but it is a great headache to have."

United return to action tomorrow night when they go head-to-head with Derby County at Pride Park Stadium. It will be interesting to see what Farke does in midfield.

We have reached the halfway mark in the season and Farke's men are three points better off than at this stage last term. Dallas said: "They [Leeds] know they have got the best squad in the league and the fans won't settle for anything less than promotion this year. That's the goal and there's no getting away from that and they are on course for that."