Gabriel Gudmundsson has quickly become Leeds United’s most important player – These numbers show why
Leeds United left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson has been nothing short of outstanding this season.
Gudmundsson has been a brilliant signing since arriving from Lille in the summer, and he’s adapted to the Premier League with relative ease.
Having featured in 25 top-flight games this season, the Swede is highly trusted by Daniel Farke, and he is quickly becoming become one of the best left-backs in the country.
Since the German head coach changed to a 3-5-2 formation, Gudmundsson’s role in the team is more advanced, and it’s clear that this tactic wouldn’t work anywhere near as well without his involvement.
Gabriel Gudmundsson is Leeds’ most important player
As the Sofascore graphic above shows, joining a newly-promoted side as a full-back is never easy, as you know you’ll be facing top-class wingers week in, week out.
However, the 26-year-old has risen to the challenge and is becoming a key component of this Leeds side.
Gudmundsson has completed 33 dribbles in the Premier League, which is more than 97 per cent of left-backs in the Premier League this campaign.
| Stat | Gudmundsson |
| Appearances | 25 |
| Pass accuracy | 76.7% |
| Recoveries | 93 |
| Tackles | 56 |
| Touches | 1,373 |
He has also played the most minutes (2,104), made the most ball carries (243) and completed the most take-ons (33) of any Leeds player.
From a defensive standpoint, the Sweden international has won the most tackles (56), the most fouls and the most duels (128) of any member of Farke’s team.
Having someone so versatile must be a dream for the German, and it’s about time Gudmundsson gets the praise he deserves from wider circles for his Leeds performances.
The fact that Gudmundsson is outperforming all of Leeds’ players in a wide range of stats is very impressive, and without him, the Elland Road outfit would be significantly worse off.
- Read more: Leeds wanted summer signing so bad they didn’t bother to draw up Plan B if deal broke down
Leeds’ survival hopes could yet depend on Gudmundsson
Farke has no left-footed replacement for Gudmundsson, which is an area the Whites should definitely explore in the summer transfer window.
James Justin has proven his worth by being able to cover at both centre-back and left wing-back, but it clearly isn’t the same.
Gudmundsson’s ability to swing in crosses from out wide without having to cut in is very useful, and Leeds should definitely be looking at signing a player with a similar profile.
If he suffers a serious injury, it could potentially scupper Leeds’ hopes of staying in the Premier League.
That shows how crucial he is to the side, and he could go down as one of the best signings of the season if he stays injury-free and continues to excel.
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