Leeds United defender Max Wober hits ground running in Premier League, official stats show strength in one key area
Leeds United defender Max Wober has made a blistering start to his Premier League career, with the centre-back impressing in various key areas on the pitch.
The Premier League club do not always get their transfers spot on, but they look certain to have found a top player in Austrian defender Wober, who joined from Red Bull Salzburg in January.
The 25-year-old was eased into proceedings just after the hour mark for his league debut against Aston Villa not long after joining, and has played almost every minute for Leeds since then.
In his brief time for the Whites in the Premier League so far, Wober has won 31 duels and 13 tackles, as well as making 17 interceptions, according to Leeds United StatZone.
Moreover, the defender has averaged 54 touches per game, and boasts a passing accuracy of 73%. It is, however, his 52 ball recoveries that stand out more than any other statistic.
Impressive start
Leeds had been conceding far too many goals under previous manager Jesse Marsch, with the club in the top five when it comes to Premier League goals conceded this season.
New manager Javi Gracia has helped slow down the speedy rate of goals conceded somewhat, conceding just one from his first two league matches. Four goals have followed in the two matches since then, which will be disappointing for Gracia and indeed Wober.
A few more shutouts will be the Austrian’s priority in the coming months, but it’s fair to say that he has impressed and most definitely made a difference since joining.
Also able to operate at left-back, Wober looks like he will be a key player for the Whites in many years to come, with the 25-year-old still in the relatively early stages of his career.
Staying in the division will, of course, be crucial if Leeds are to keep hold of the defender, who is used to playing at the highest level, having previously represented the likes of Ajax, Sevilla and RB Salzburg, as well as the Austria national team.
As mentioned, Leeds have made a few mistakes in recent transfer windows, but Wober has become a firm favourite at Elland Road for his determined and important displays at the back.
In other Leeds United news, one loanee is on the verge of a permanent switch to MLS, with a deal expected to be completed soon.