KickAIMatches
Ilia Gruev
Leeds United

Ilia Gruev

Midfielder at Leeds United

🌍 BGMidfielder#44🎂 25 years📏 185cm👟 Left

Current Team: Leeds United

Market Value
€8.2M
SofaScore Rating
6.75

📊 Season Summary

All competitions • Real data
Ilia Gruev Season by Season Statistics
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsRating
25/26Premier League12016.75
2026World Cup Qual. UEFA5006.76
25/26EFL Cup1006.70
24/25EFL Cup1006.80
24/25UEFA Nations League4006.97
24/25Championship23027.20
23/24Championship29016.95
2024EURO, Qualification8006.76
23/24Bundesliga-00-
22/23UEFA Nations League-00-
📅 Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Data: Official league records

📋 Match Log

Last 15 matches
Ilia Gruev Recent Match Performance Log
DateCompetitionRating
Feb 5, 2025Championship8.1
Feb 11, 2025Championship6.8
Feb 17, 2025Championship7.1
Feb 24, 2025Championship6.6
Mar 9, 2025Championship6.8
Mar 20, 2025UEFA Nations League6.6
Mar 23, 2025UEFA Nations League6.8
Apr 8, 2025Championship6.8
Apr 12, 2025Championship6.9
Apr 18, 2025Championship7.0
Apr 21, 2025Championship7.2
Apr 28, 2025Championship8.5
May 3, 2025Championship7.6
Jun 10, 2025International Friendly Games6.3
Jul 19, 2025Club Friendly Games7.1
⚽ Performance ratings tracked per match. Data sourced from official match statistics.

⚡ Player Characteristics

Strengths

✓ Stamina✓ Heading

📈 Career Totals

Aggregated across 16 seasons, 10 competitions
0
Career Goals
4
Career Assists
83
Total Apps
64
Full Games

👥 Teammates at Leeds United

Full Squad →
Noah Okafor
Noah Okafor
F
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
F
Lukas Nmecha
Lukas Nmecha
F
Joël Piroe
Joël Piroe
F
Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka
M
Daniel James
Daniel James
M
Wilfried Gnonto
Wilfried Gnonto
M
Brenden Aaronson
Brenden Aaronson
M
Sean Longstaff
Sean Longstaff
M

📊 Season Statistics

Premier League 25/26
12 appearances
0
Goals
1
Assists
6.75
Rating
662
Minutes
0
Shots
4
Key Passes
17
Tackles
8
Interceptions

🏳️ International Career

Bulgaria|27 caps0 goals

📝 About Ilia Gruev

Ilia Gruev is a 25-year-old BG professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. Currently representing Leeds United, Ilia Gruev stands at 185cm and is predominantly left-footed. With a market valuation of €8.2M, Ilia Gruev represents a significant investment in today's transfer market.

Ilia Gruev's professional career began at SV Werder Bremen U19. Over their career, Ilia Gruev has made 2 transfers. The most recent move saw Ilia Gruev join Leeds United in 2023 for €4.7M.

This season, Ilia Gruev has contributed 1 assists in 12 appearances. Accumulating 662 minutes, averaging 55 per game.

On the international stage, Ilia Gruev represents Bulgaria with 27 caps. International debut came in 2022.

🎯

Expert Tactical Profile

KickAI Scouting Analysis

This tactical analysis and scouting report on Ilia Gruev has been compiled by the KickAI Analytics Team. Our assessment covers Ilia Gruev's role as a midfielder at Leeds United, examining their BG playing style, statistical performance, tactical contributions, and future potential. Data is updated after every matchday.

Player Archetype

Box-to-Box

Ilia Gruev profiles as a tireless engine who contributes at both ends of the pitch. Elite qualities include stamina and heading, which make them a threat in aerial battles. At 25, Ilia Gruev is entering their prime years.

Formation Fit

Best deployed in:

4-3-3 (central midfield)4-2-3-1 (as part of the double pivot or attacking trio)

✅ Key Strengths

  • stamina
  • heading

⚠️ Development Areas

  • No significant weaknesses identified

**Playing Style**: Ilia Gruev fits the profile of a modern Box-to-Box – a tireless engine who contributes at both ends of the pitch.

✨ What Makes Them Special

What sets Ilia Gruev apart from other midfielders? It's the combination of stamina, heading that creates a unique profile.

🔄 Career Turning Point

The Defining Move: Ilia Gruev's career trajectory changed in 2023 when SV Werder Bremen agreed to let them join Leeds United. The €4.7M move represented a significant investment and a vote of confidence in Ilia Gruev's abilities. This transfer opened doors to a new league, new challenges, and new opportunities to showcase their talents.

🔮 Future Outlook

Future Outlook: In their prime at 25, Ilia Gruev should be targeting their best seasons now. This is the window for major trophies, national team recognition, and potential big-money moves.

📊 Premier League 25/26 Analysis

In the current season, Ilia Gruev has made 12 appearances in their competition, contributing 1 assists. With an average rating of 6.75, Ilia Gruev has been consistent. Accumulating 662 minutes, Ilia Gruev averages 55 minutes per game.

🔥 Recent Form

Over the last 5 matches, Ilia Gruev has maintained strong form with an average rating of 7.08. Performance ratings ranged from 6.6 to 8.1, demonstrating typical variation.

📈 Form Guide (Last 15 Matches)

OldestLatest

📊 Performance Statistics

How Ilia Gruev compares to league average this season

🎯 Assists1
0Avg: 215
📅 Appearances12
0Avg: 1538
⭐ Average Rating6.8
0Avg: 6.510
⏱️ Minutes Played662
0Avg: 9003420

Yellow line = league average. Green = above average performance.

🩺 Player Status & Availability

Fitness Status

Available

No reported injuries

📋Contract Status

Under Contract

Current club: Leeds United

🔄Transfer Rumors

No Active Rumors

Last updated: 1/14/2026

📈Market Trend

€8.2M

SofaScore estimate

💹 Career Value Trajectory

Transfer fee history and market value trend

2023
SV Werder Bremen→Leeds United
€4.70M
2019
SV Werder Bremen U19→SV Werder Bremen
-

🔥 Recent Performance (12 Months)

Avg Rating: 6.90
2/5/2025Championship
8.1
2/11/2025Championship
6.8
2/17/2025Championship
7.1
2/24/2025Championship
6.6
3/9/2025Championship
6.8
3/20/2025UEFA Nations League
6.6
3/23/2025UEFA Nations League
6.8
4/8/2025Championship
6.8
4/12/2025Championship
6.9
4/18/2025Championship
7.0
4/21/2025Championship
7.2
4/28/2025Championship
8.5
5/3/2025Championship
7.6
6/10/2025International Friendly Games
6.3
7/19/2025Club Friendly Games
7.1

Showing last 15 matches. Based on SofaScore statistical ratings.

💰 Transfer History

2 transfers

Transfer Fee Progression

2023
€4.70M
DateFromToFee
8/31/2023SV Werder BremenLeeds United4.7M €
7/1/2019SV Werder Bremen U19SV Werder Bremen-

📅 Career Progression & Journey

Ilia Gruev's professional football journey began at SV Werder Bremen U19, where the foundations of their career were established. Like many successful footballers, Ilia Gruev developed their skills through dedicated training and competitive youth football before breaking into senior football.

The career path of Ilia Gruev has taken them through 3 different clubs, each phase contributing to their development as a professional footballer. The most significant transfer came when Ilia Gruev moved from SV Werder Bremen to Leeds United for €4.7M, marking a pivotal moment in their career trajectory.

Currently, Ilia Gruev represents Leeds United, the latest chapter in an evolving career. Having joined in 2023, Ilia Gruev continues to develop and contribute to their team's objectives. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has shaped Ilia Gruev into the player they are today.

📈 Performance Analysis & Context

When evaluating Ilia Gruev's performance in context, their average rating of 6.75 positions them among solid contributors to their team. With 1 direct goal contributions (0 goals, 1 assists) in 12 appearances, Ilia Gruev averages 0.08 goal contributions per match. Averaging 55 minutes per appearance indicates rotational presence in the squad. For a midfielder at this level of competition, these statistics provide insight into Ilia Gruev's impact and role within their team's tactical setup.

🔗 Related Content & Categories

Explore more content related to Ilia Gruev, including teammates, similar players, and competition information.

Leeds United(Current club)BG footballers(Players from BG)Top midfielders(Best players in this position)SV Werder Bremen(Former club)SV Werder Bremen U19(Former club)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ilia Gruev

What position does Ilia Gruev play?▼
Ilia Gruev is a professional midfielder who currently plays for Leeds United. As a midfielder, Ilia Gruev is primarily responsible for controlling the midfield, linking defense to attack, and box-to-box contributions.
How old is Ilia Gruev?▼
Ilia Gruev is 25 years old, born on May 6, 2000. At 25, Ilia Gruev is in their peak years as a professional footballer.
What team does Ilia Gruev play for in 2026?▼
Ilia Gruev currently plays for Leeds United. They joined the club in 2023.
How tall is Ilia Gruev?▼
Ilia Gruev stands at 185cm (6'1") tall. This height is above average for a midfielder.
What is Ilia Gruev's market value in 2026?▼
Ilia Gruev's current estimated transfer market value is €8.2M according to professional football valuation metrics. This reflects their established professional status.
What nationality is Ilia Gruev?▼
Ilia Gruev is a BG footballer. They represent the BG national team with 27 international caps.
What are Ilia Gruev's career statistics?▼
This season, Ilia Gruev has made 12 appearances, scored 0 goals, and provided 1 assists. Their average match rating is 6.75.
Where did Ilia Gruev start their career?▼
Ilia Gruev's professional career began at SV Werder Bremen U19. Since then, they have made 2 career moves across various clubs.
What is Ilia Gruev's preferred foot?▼
Ilia Gruev is predominantly left-footed. This less common preference influences their playing style and positioning on the pitch.
What are Ilia Gruev's main strengths as a player?▼
Ilia Gruev's primary strengths include stamina, heading. These attributes make them particularly effective in aerial battles.
How many international caps does Ilia Gruev have?▼
Ilia Gruev has earned 27 international caps for Bulgaria, scoring 0 goals at international level. Their international debut came in 2022.
What was Ilia Gruev's highest transfer fee?▼
Ilia Gruev's highest recorded transfer fee was €4.7M when moving from SV Werder Bremen to Leeds United.
What is Ilia Gruev's current form like?▼
Based on their average rating of 6.75 this season, Ilia Gruev's current form can be described as consistent. and provided 1 assists in 12 appearances.
What shirt number does Ilia Gruev wear?▼
Ilia Gruev wears the number 44 shirt for Leeds United. A squad number reflecting their role within the team.
What is Ilia Gruev's playing style?▼
As a midfielder, Ilia Gruev brings stamina and heading to their team. Their tactical flexibility allows them to also operate as a mc or defensive midfielder.
K

✓ KickAI Analysis Team

Football analytics experts using AI-enhanced data processing

Statistics sourced from official match data providers. Tactical analysis generated using proprietary algorithms trained on 500,000+ player performances.

📅 Last Updated:

Verify data from official sources:

📊 SofaScore💰 Transfermarkt📚 Wikipedia

📋 Quick Facts

Full Name
Ilia Gruev
Nationality
BG
Age
25 years
Height
185 cm
Position
Midfielder
Foot
Left
Shirt
#44

📅 Season Stats

0
Goals
1
Assists
12
Apps
6.75
Rating

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