How Leeds are benefiting from unique steps taken by Nico Elvedi after 'farcical' situation

Nico Elvedi has made a positive start to life at Leeds United, but the wheels were in motion long before this summer.

The Switzerland international brought an end to his 11-year association with Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer.

Leeds faced competition for Elvedi's signature, but they were ultimately the winners - partly in thanks to former Gladbach boss Daniel Farke.

After being integrated into the side, Elvedi is now a regular starter and has five Leeds appearances to his name in total.

While the defender is looking like a great fit for Farke, it was not always this way.

It was only because Elvedi took matters into his own hands that he managed to get his career back on track.

Nico Elvedi praised for taking responsibility for poor form

Elvedi was this week hailed by manager Murat Yakin for his "absolutely brilliant" performance as Switzerland beat 10-man Scotland 3-0 in Glasgow.

Even the Swiss press raved about Elvedi for his display, as he not only stood strong at the back but also helped in attacking transitions.

As reported by Blick on Thursday, the story was completely different for the 30-year-old just a couple of years ago.

He badly struggled in the previous UEFA Nations League campaign, which included a "farcical" red card against Denmark and an own goal against Serbia.

Yakin left Elvedi out of his next squad but, rather than sulk, the centre-back instead took the unique step to work with a sprinter.

That was a turning point as Elvedi became quicker, and also stronger, while working with Rolf Fongue.

Yakin hailed Elvedi for taking responsibility for his downturn in form, rather than blaming others.

Which other teams could Elvedi have joined?

Leeds pulled off a coup in landing Elvedi, who definitely elevates Farke's impressive defence.

What makes the deal all the better is that the Whites are said to have only paid £6.8million upfront, with the other £1.7m in add-ons.

Even if that full amount is paid, landing a defender of Elvedi's quality for under £10m is a great piece of business.

The same report shares how Atalanta and Celta Vigo were also circling for Elvedi in the summer.

However, he wanted the move to Leeds and linking up with Farke appealed to him.

Let's just hope this improvement we have seen over the past two years continues for a while longer yet.