Leeds United best XI of season so far – Ao Tanaka misses out, Mateo Joseph leads line
Leeds United have enjoyed a successful campaign so far in the Championship, sitting just two points from the top with several players impressing.
The Whites entered the season as one of the favourites for promotion and they have demonstrated their credentials for that recognition under Daniel Farke.
Leeds have had several injury concerns throughout the campaign but for the large part have been able to put out a consistent starting 11 of players who have excelled with regular game time.
With that in mind, MOT Leeds News looks at the Whites’ strongest starting line-up right now on the basis of the first 15 matches.
Ao Tanaka misses out for Leeds United
Despite having come in for his fair share of criticism, Illan Meslier earns his spot in the Leeds United goal. The Frenchman has done more good than bad for the Whites so far this campaign and his place in the starting 11 is cemented.
As for the Leeds defence, Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo have arguably been the best full-back partnership in the Championship.
Firpo especially has shown his qualities going forward with four-goal contributions while Bogle has remained a consistent performer.
The central duo of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon have been influential in Leeds’ promotion hunt and will be crucial in shutting down opposition attacks throughout the remainder of the season.
In midfield for Leeds, Ao Tanaka is a perhaps surprising omission although it is a testament to the performances of his teammates.
Joe Rothwell has impressed although it is the duo of Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev who occupy the positions.
Despite having played just seven times, Ampadu has showcased his ability as a top, top-level Championship midfielder and his return to fitness will undoubtedly see the Welshman walk straight back into the starting 11.
Ampadu was superb across those seven appearances and is perhaps the most consistent performer in Farke’s ranks.
As for Gruev, the Bulgarian has been a standout performer in midfield in his eight league appearances.
Some other notable omissions arrive in the form of Leeds attackers. Joel Piroe perhaps surprisingly doesn’t make the strongest XI, with Brenden Aaronson occupying the 10 role instead.
The USMNT international has rekindled his career at Elland Road this season, with five-goal contributions so far. With a target of 30 goal contributions set for himself, Aaronson will play a huge role in their push for a Premier League return.
It wouldn’t be the strongest XI without Willy Gnonto, who is arguably the best player in the division on his day. The Italian youth international has showcased his ability with seven-goal contributions so far.
Largie Ramazani occupies the left flank, with the Belgian constantly providing a threat for Farke’s side despite having missed the last few games with injury. However, a return to fitness looks imminent based on what he posted on social media earlier in the week.
Mateo Joseph leads the line for the Whites, having demonstrated his credentials of being the best striker at the club. In nine starts, the Spaniard has netted twice while providing three assists, with Patrick Bamford providing little competition.
In other Leeds United news, Paul Robinson does not believe former Huddersfield Town star Lewis O’Brien would be a major miss for the Whites in the transfer market.
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