By James Murray

19th Sep, 2023 | 6:40pm

Simon Rix wowed by Leeds United ace Sam Byram after performance v Millwall

Simon Rix was wowed by the performance of Sam Byram as Leeds United recorded a convincing victory over Millwall on Sunday (17 September).

Speaking on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on Monday (18 September), the Kaiser Chiefs guitarist admitted he was “pretty confident” after seeing the 30-year-old was named in the starting lineup for the 3-0 win at The Den.

He believes the defender, who re-joined the club over the summer, is the “final piece of the jigsaw” as he was impressed by his performance against the Lions.

“When the teamsheets came out, I felt pretty confident,” said Rix. “I feel like if Byram plays, even though I know there are lots of other cogs and stuff, if Byram plays it’s almost like he’s the final piece of the jigsaw that just makes it work. He was really good, wasn’t he?”

Solid

There wasn’t much doubt about Byram’s ability when it was revealed he was on trial with Leeds over the summer, but his fitness was a concern.

Since leaving Elland Road for West Ham in 2016, the Whites academy product has endured a number of injury-hit years, most recently with Norwich City before he was released at the end of last season.

But Daniel Farke knows him extremely well from their time together at Carrow Road and clearly felt he could be a good addition to his squad this season.

The defender hasn’t let him down yet – fitness-wise or in terms of his performances on the field – on the back of his solid display at Millwall.

Byram has great experience at Championship level and he could prove to be a really shrewd signing if he manages to maintain his fitness through the campaign.

In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke has shared an injury update on one first-team player.