As the club heads into the international break sitting in 5th place on 19 points, lets take a look at our top 5 performers to date this season:
1) Ethan Ampadu
Since his arrival in the summer, Ampadu has been Leeds’ most consistent and reliable player. Steady and composed on the ball, he keeps the side ticking over from his base in the centre of midfield. He is a player that has looked Premier League quality and from what we have seen so far is of equal if not better quality than the man he replaced, Tyler Adams. If Leeds are to seriously challenge this season, Ampadu will be central to the cause.
2) Georginio Rutter
It is fair to say that the Frenchman’s rebirth has won the hearts of the Leeds faithful in the early stages of the season. His dizzying skill and dribbling has caused huge problems for Championship defences to date and he is starting to look a cut above this level. He is amidst a wholesome redemption arc at the club after a tough spell last season, however his contribution to the side this term, both defensively and creative wise, has been second to none.
3) Pascal Struijk
After a tough few seasons in the Premier League, Struijk has found his feet again for the club and has been a standout performer at the back. His partnership with Joe Rodon has been strong and his movement of the ball into forward areas of the pitch has been crucial to the way Leeds are playing this season. He has benefitted from a run of games in his natural position and has now made himself a mainstay of the side.
4) Archie Gray
In what has become his breakthrough season at Elland Road, Gray has demonstrated an assurance and maturity on the pitch that goes far beyond his tender age. He has more than held his own in terms of the physicality of the league and has shown sprinklings of quality at times this season. Deployed to right back in our last game against Bristol City, he did not look out of place and was more than competant in the role. We are witnessing the early days of a player with a huge future in the game.
5) Sam Byram
What a return it has been for Leeds old boy Byram. There were some eyebrows raised in the summer when he was brought back to the club, but his performances at left-back this season has silenced his critics. His use of the ball and defensive work has been of a high quality and now looks to have made that position his own. There are some concerns about his ability to play three games in a week, but with players like Junior Firpo and Jamie Shackleton in reserve, he may not be expected to. If Byram can play 30 games this season showing the quality he has so far, it will have been a great move by the club to have brought him home.
Notable mentions: Joe Rodon, Joel Piroe and Dan James.
