Dan Carter

Thu 12 October 2023 17:40, UK

Leeds United are almost a quarter of the way into their return to the Championship and after an incredibly difficult summer, the Whites have started to find their feet.

Heading into the October international break Daniel Farke’s side sit fifth in England’s second tier and are currently nine points off of the automatic promotion places and 11 behind early leaders Leicester City, having found the winning formula in the last month.

Barring a slip-up against Southampton at St Mary’s, the most recent run of fixtures has been profitable for the Whites seeing them only lose once in their last nine league matches and score a combined 15 goals.

MOT Leeds News has rated the players to make at least five appearances so far this season out of 10;

Ilan Meslier – 7

Many expected the Frenchman to leave Elland Road this summer, but so far he has played every minute in the Championship. Meslier has kept five clean sheets so far in the league and has a save percentage of 65 per cent. There have still been the odd shaky moments when defending against crosses but for the most part, the 23-year-old has offered a safe presence in defence [Sofascore].

Liam Cooper – 5

After a late move to Saudi Arabia was touted in the summer, Cooper hasn’t been the mainstay in defence that he once was at Elland Road. He got Leeds’ season up and running with his header against Cardiff on the opening weekend but picked up an injury in the process. Since then he has only started twice and while he impressed against Watford, he struggled against Southampton and has fallen down the pecking order since.

Joe Rodon – 6

He has turned out to be a rather clever loan addition from Spurs this summer as he continues to impress at the heart of defence. Has thrived in physical contests against the likes of Millwall and QPR and has gone about his work well in defence. The Welshman did see red in the goalless draw with Hull but was unfortunate to be sent off.

Pascal Struijk – 8

Most Leeds fans can probably not believe that Struijk is the same defender that was lining up for them in the Premier League last season. The Dutchman has been in impressive form throughout the season but has thrived in the Whites’ last few matches. He is yet to make an error leading to an opposition shot and has won an impressive 80 per cent of his attempted tackles.

Luke Ayling – 6

Many expected to see the 23-year-old’s involvement reduced after Djed Spence’s arrival, but after the Spurs man’s injury, he has been as solid as ever in defence. Going forward he’s picked up a goal and an assist but has lost his place to both Jamie Shackleton and Archie Gray in the last few games. Leeds fans know what they’re getting with Ayling and this season has been no different.

Sam Byram – 7

The definition of a bargain. Having arrived on a free transfer, the former Norwich man has gone from strength to strength having brushed off any suggestions that he’s injury-prone. With a goal and an assist to his name, he has solved the Whites’ left-back problem and is probably one of the first names on the teamsheet when fit currently.

Leo Hjelde – 1

The Norwegian hasn’t played five matches in the league this season but is abundantly clear that his time may well be up at Elland Road. His one start came on the opening day against Cardiff where he was hooked at half-time having failed to win a single duel or complete a tackle. Salernitana were keen to sign the defender in the summer but Leeds weren’t keen to allow him to depart because of their lack of options at left-back [Cronache, 11 August]. With Firpo closing in on fitness and Byram playing well, he may never play again and it would be best for Hjelde to leave Leeds United this January.

Jamie Shackleton – 6

Farke’s utility man so far this season as he has played on both sides of defence as well as spells in midfield and out wide. The 24-year-old has been solid wherever he has played so far in the campaign but has failed to establish a set role in the side. Those sorts of players will be crucial to the Whites’ season so he deserves plenty of credit.

Glen Kamara – 6

A big arrival from Rangers this summer, Kamara has been slowly bedded into the Leeds midfield over the last month and has begun to show why he was brought to Elland Road. Against Watford and Bristol City, he broke up play well and looked after possession, even picking up an assist against the Robins. Although he has started well, you can’t help but feel we’re yet to see the best out of the Finnish international in a white shirt.

Ethan Ampadu – 9

Ampadu was Farke’s first signing this summer and it is clear why the German wanted to bring him to Elland Road as he has started every league match this season. Both in defence and attack the Welsh international has shone, creating 10 chances for his teammates, but out of possession, he has been a revelation averaging 8.8 ball recoveries a game and 2.3 tackles a match. Arguably the best addition Leeds United have made this season.

Archie Gray – 8

Few would have expected 17-year-old Gray to feature as heavily as he has done this season, but the Leeds United academy product has been phenomenal in the opening quarter of the campaign. Gray has started nine of the 11 league matches and has never once played like a teenager. The midfield competition in Farke’s squad has seen his involvement lessened in recent weeks but he shone at right-back against Bristol City winning a remarkable 11 duels. He is a special talent and will only get better the more that he plays.

Jaidon Anthony – 6

The final arrival of a busy summer as he swapped clubs with Luis Sinisterra, Leeds fans are yet to see the best of Anthony as he has only started once and played a mere 153 minutes of football for the Whites. He has already found the net once and looked bright during his brief cameos, but given the competition in wide areas, it’s hard to see how he earns his first start under Farke.

Dan James – 7

It took a few weeks to get up and running, but James’ has finally hit his grove this season. In seven starts he has registered five goal involvements and created a remarkable 21 chances for his teammates. He has however missed two big chances and given his streaky form in the past Leeds United must make sure his recent run isn’t just a flash in the pan.

Crysencio Summerville – 7

The Dutchman has been in excellent form similar to James, picking up four goal involvements in seven starts and has also created 21 chances for his teammates. The 21-year-old should have arguably found the net more often himself but has quashed any previous suggestion that he was lazy or didn’t work hard enough last season. He is currently making it very difficult for anyone to push him out of his spot in left midfield.

Wilfried Gnonto – 5

Gnonto’s lower mark is partly because of just how much was expected from the Italian international this season given the transfer saga that rumbled on throughout the summer. An ankle injury has kept him out of action in recent weeks, but before that, he had only scored once and created three chances for his teammates. There is undoubtedly more to come from Gnonto but he has to find his way back into Farke’s side and do a lot more to match Sue Smith’s suggestion that he can be one of the best players in the division.

Joel Piroe – 8

A big-money addition from Swansea City who Farke believed would be able to fire the Whites back to the Premier League, Piroe has delivered on that promise so far this season. Five goals in eight appearances for Leeds United tells the whole story and the Dutchman has been crucial to the recent excellent run of form. He may not be leading the line with Farke instead playing him in a number 10 role, but Piroe has been excellent even out of his preferred position.

Georginio Rutter – 8

Piroe’s partner in crime. Rutter has been a joy to watch this season to the point that his manager has had to tell him to not try to embarrass his opponents. The Frenchman would have hoped to have more than his two goals and missed a sitter against Bristol City last time out, but he’s been a great provider, laying on 24 chances for teammates. He makes this Leeds attack click and as his confidence grows game by game, the goals will start flowing sooner rather than later.

Joe Gelhardt – 5

The 21-year-old forward has just about made five appearances this season but hasn’t played for Farke’s side since August. In his 164 minutes of action, there has been little to suggest he will climb the pecking order and force his way into Farke’s attack. Given the return of Patrick Bamford to fitness and links with a move away in the summer, it may be best for all parties if Gelhardt spends to second half of the season away from Elland Road.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have left two loan spots available for January additions deliberately