A 3-0 win over Watford on Saturday has edged Leeds ever nearer to Premier League safety as we move towards the climax of a rollercoaster season for the Whites.
Leeds have suffered a horrendous injury list at times, had a change of manager, and conceded a bucket load of goals. But the Whites have still been lauded as one of the most attractive teams to watch in the league.
And the latest Premier League 2022 betting odds here at SBOTOP say they are nailed on to be in the elite competition next season and the hoards of West Yorkshire fans can’t wait.
The Elland Road faithful have roared their heroes on to a total which has given Leeds a nine-point cushion over 18th-placed Burnley, and three or four points from their final six games will surely see the job through.
So let’s take a moment to applaud the players who have stood out this season and wonder how life might have been different if the injury list had been shorter.
The Stars of 2021/22
Leeds started their second season in the Premier League with a similar squad to their Class of 2021 with two notable additions. Wing-back Junior Firpo – whose chances at Barcelona were limited – and winger Daniel James – who had the same issues at Manchester United – both arrived with a fanfare.
And they have each played their part in another good campaign, but the players who shone in Leeds first season back in the top-flight have excelled again.
Raphinha
Leeds fans are running out of superlatives to describe wing wizard Raphinha. The Brazilian star has top-scored with 10 goals and three assists from 29 starts. And while he has been a little quieter in recent games, he remains a constant threat.
Making an average of 30 passes a game, Raphinha is a focus for many of Leeds’ most dangerous attacks and he has a sweet left foot, scoring all 10 of his goals with his left peg. He could have had plenty more with a bit more luck, hitting the woodwork seven times this season.
He’s a player that you can’t keep out of the Premier League 2022 news and Leeds fans are hoping Raphinha will remain a White for years to come.
Illan Meslier
The 22-year-old French stopper has come of age this season. While he had time in the 2020/21 campaign to marvel at his teammates’ outfield performances, he’s been a busy boy this time around.
With 68 goals conceded and only four clean sheets, Meslier has been heroic at times, making the most saves in the league (118) and his efforts have helped Leeds to grab the vital points they need.
Rodrigo
Spain striker Rodrigo took a while to settle at Leeds but the Yorkshire fans are now seeing the fabulous striker they bought from Valencia.
Leeds fast counterattacking game is a joy to watch when they are in full flow and Raphinha now has an ally alongside him ready to rip open opposing defences. With three goals in the last four games, Rodrigo is fast becoming another fan-favourite.
Injured heroes
Three of Leeds most influential players, captain Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips, and Patrick Bamford, have suffered a frustrating campaign with more time spent in the physio’s room than on the pitch.
Striker Bamford has made very few appearances and he’ll be glad when the campaign is over, but Phillips and Cooper have both been there when it mattered most.
The catalyst for Leeds in recent seasons, 26-year-old Phillips has missed 19 games this term and Leeds are a different team when he is on the pitch. His calm assurance and reading of the game mean he can control the pace of play, and a full campaign next term should see the England man inspire Leeds to another top-half finish.
Centre-back Cooper is back in action and that’s great news for Meslier, because the 30-year-old Scot has been at the heart of Leeds defence for every one of their clean sheets.
Marsching on together
And finally, a word for the head coach Jesse Marsch who was flown in to save the season at a difficult time in the campaign.
Leeds started with optimism but with an attack line struggling to score and a defence leaking goals, danger loomed. After conceding five goals against Manchester United, six against Liverpool, and seven against Manchester City, it was time for Marcelo Bielsa to say goodbye when Spurs put four past his team.
In a tribute to Bielsa, the Elland Road club appointed a manager with his philosophy. The former RB Leipzig chief wants his players to be on the front foot and he encourages youth to flourish. 19-year-old Joe Gelhardt is in his first season and has made 14 appearances, scoring two goals and making three assists.
The Whites are close to claiming another ticket for Premier League football but they soon face three of the Big Six: with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City to come.
But Marsch will stick with his plan to limit space in his defensive third, while encouraging his attacking players to use their pace and ambition to break down the most stubborn of defences. It’s a nice balance and the future looks rosy for Leeds once they get over the finish line.
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