Leeds United have exceeded expectations comprehensively this season. Frankly speaking, they weren’t a side which was expected to go toe-to-toe with fellow Championship giants. Prior to the first kick of the ball this season, one expected them to survive and finish in the vicinity of mid-table spots but Garry Monk had other ideas. He constructed a side that has destroyed such notions and most importantly has instilled the winning character that was so desired at the Elland Road.
The gaffer put the trust on his players and for a change, the Leeds United players didn’t let their manager down. There lies a handsome difference of seven points between them and seventh placed Sheffield Wednesday and with the way the situation is unfolding, betting on the Peacocks to finish in the top six spots wouldn’t be a really risky punt. Although the majority of the team gelled well and showed tremendous grit so far this campaign, here are three top players who have displayed that they deserve to ply their trade at the top level.
Chris Wood
It didn’t take a second’s hesitation to put the name of Chris Wood on this list. New Zealand hasn’t been really been associated with supplying quality football players on the global scale but the Kiwi international has squashed the perception and has ensured that he could be the face of any top quality side in the game. Monk has a substantial dearth in his attacking arsenal, but the 25-year-old striker has singlehandedly rocketed his side’s chances of getting a playoff spot by netting 19 goals in 31 appearances, alongside creating 27 chances and bagging an assist as well so far this term.
Pontus Jansson
Undoubtedly a star performer this season, Pontus Jansson has partnered well with Kyle Bartley at the heart of the Whites’ defence. The Swedish has arguably been one of the best (if not the best) centre-backs in the Championship this campaign, adding mettle to Monk’s backline and leaving very little to be complaining about.
Having someone with the calibre of Jansson was the call of the hour for Leeds United this season and the Swede has delivered with sheer professionalism.
Pablo Hernandez
A ruthless attacker who did take time to settle in, Pablo Hernandez had shown sparks of the qualities he possesses but it was his consistency related woes that did the damage early on. But under the tutelage of former Swansea City boss, who has entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the attacking midfield zone, Hernandez has thrived and his performance stats does the talking for him. In 22 appearances, he has mustered 4 goals, created as many as 64 chances and has registered 7 assists to his name, thus underlying the class that he has on offer.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
