Leeds United saved the best for last in their summer exits during the 2024 transfer window. Crysencio Summerville, a player whose departure had been long anticipated, and Georginio Rutter, whose exit came as a shock, both lingered until August before finally leaving. Their combined contributions of 50 goals last season left fans and pundits alike wondering how the team would fill the void they left behind. The arrivals of Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon before the transfer window closed provided some answers, but neither player came with the same pedigree as the £65 million duo who departed. However, Leeds United’s recent 4-0 victory over Watford offered further reassurance that the club is moving in the right direction.
When Daniel Farke last led Leeds United to Watford’s Vicarage Road, the team was on a 13-match unbeaten streak in the league, much like their current form. Yet, the preceding international break exposed cracks in the team’s foundation, which ultimately contributed to their collapse last season. Players like Wilfried Gnonto, Ilia Gruev, and Connor Roberts returned from international duty with injuries, while Junior Firpo was too fatigued to start after playing in South America just two days earlier. Georginio Rutter rushed back from hernia surgery to feature, and a rusty Liam Cooper filled in for the injured Gruev. The team was far from their best, relying on Summerville’s individual brilliance to secure a draw. His trademark goal, curling a 25-yard effort into the far corner after cutting in from the left flank, was a moment of magic that masked wider issues within the team.
This season’s visit to Watford could not have been more different. Leeds United’s current unbeaten run in the Championship feels like it’s still gaining momentum, whereas last season’s team left Watford stuttering and spluttering. The key difference this time around is the balance and collective strength of the squad. Every player is contributing, and no single individual is shouldering the responsibility of carrying the team. Daniel James, who has been a consistent threat this season, could have been mistaken for a talisman, but Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe have also stepped up with crucial contributions. Junior Firpo’s assists, Ao Tanaka and Gruev’s control in midfield, and the defensive solidity of Joe Rodon and Ampadu have all played a part in the team’s success. This is a far cry from last season, when the team relied heavily on the brilliance of Summerville and Rutter.
The spread of goal contributions across the squad highlights the team’s newfound depth. In their last six league games alone, Leeds United have scored 18 goals, with nine different players contributing as scorers and six different creators. While Solomon, James, and Piroe have been the most frequent contributors, players like Ramazani, Tanaka, Brenden Aaronson, Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, and Jayden Bogle have also chipped in. This versatility and shared responsibility were lacking last season, when only five players—Summerville, Rutter, James, Piroe, and Gnonto—accounted for the bulk of the team’s goal contributions. This season, with 14 games still to go, Leeds United already have five players with double-digit goal contributions, and another four players are on the cusp of reaching that milestone. The graphic below illustrates the impressive spread of attacking contributions across the squad.
Farke expressed his satisfaction with the team’s development but remained cautious, emphasizing that there is still room for improvement. “We want to be flexible,” he said in a post-match interview. “We want to have many threats. We can score more goals from set pieces. We can chip in more with goals from midfielders. Ao Tanaka has scored, but we have other midfielders who can chip in with goals.” Farke’s comments reflect the team’s ambition and the manager’s refusal to let complacency creep in. Leeds United currently sit five points clear of Sheffield United, eight points ahead of Burnley, and 10 points ahead of Sunderland, having played one more game than each of their closest rivals. Upcoming matches against Sunderland and Sheffield United present opportunities to further solidify their position at the top of the table.
The team’s recent form and confidence heading into these critical fixtures are a testament to their all-around improvement. Farke has repeatedly highlighted the club’s financial success in the summer transfer window, generating more income than any other club in western Europe through the sales of players like Summerville, Rutter, Archie Gray, and Glen Kamara. However, the real success lies on the pitch, where the current squad is proving to be greater than the sum of its parts. The first goal against Watford was a result of relentless team-wide pressing, forcing an error from Edo Kayembe. The second goal showcased the team’s ability to counter-attack with precision, involving Ampadu, Aaronson, and a sublime pass from Piroe before James finished with clinical accuracy. The fourth goal highlighted the quality of Tanaka, Solomon, and Piroe in a single move, demonstrating the depth of talent and understanding within the squad.
As Leeds United looks ahead to their upcoming challenges, there is a growing sense of belief within the team. This squad is no longer reliant on a few star players to bail them out of difficult situations. Instead, it is a cohesive unit where every player plays their part, contributing to both defensive solidity and attacking flair. While Farke remains focused on areas for improvement, the team’s current trajectory suggests that they are well on their way to achieving their goals this season. With a balanced squad, a clear sense of purpose, and a growing sense of confidence, Leeds United is poised to make a strong push for the Championship title and a return to the Premier League.
