Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has set a precedent with his starting XI for the Championship clash with Southampton, suggesting no one is guaranteed a place in his squad.
Players such as Joe Rodon and Jaidon Anthony, both on loan from Tottenham and Bournemouth in the Premier League, were left on the bench respectively.
Likewise, experienced Luke Ayling was also eliminated.
Farke has shown that it doesn’t matter if you are a big name in the dressing room or considered more talented than another option, you need to be at the top of your game to prove that you belong in the team.
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Farke’s compositions were chosen based on merit and not on previous presentations or suggestions of what the player could do.
It’s what they prove they can do for him and for the club that makes the difference.
The fact that the squad names have not changed since the 3-0 win over Watford is proof of that.
With an impressive performance in this win, every player in the starting lineup proved that they deserved a starting spot.
The standards have been raised and it will be up to the players who are not involved to meet those standards and earn a place in the team.
Of course, rotation will be necessary as the season lengthens and match-start congestion begins to become more and more of a problem, but even then the players brought in will have to prove to the boss that they deserved to play a role alongside him.
Rodon is the best example.
He has been really impressive so far this season, proving his quality and improving defensively, but after a serious red card against Hull he has been replaced by Liam Cooper, whose performances proved he deserved a place in the team.
Now it will be up to the Welshman to get it back.
Farke sent a message to his side.
He has set a precedent and now every player knows they will have to be at their best in training and on the field if they are to start week in and week out for the boss.