Five Premier League matches into the new campaign, there is now enough evidence to begin assessing how Leeds United’s squad is performing.
Several of the club’s summer recruits have quickly established themselves, while others expected to play prominent roles have found opportunities harder to come by. Injuries, particularly in central defence, have also altered Daniel Farke’s options
This ranking considers more than reputation or individual ability. It takes into account each player’s performances so far, their importance to Farke and their current position within the squad hierarchy.
Here is the ranking of Leeds’ 22 senior players, starting from the bottom.
22. Michael Zetterer
Zetterer has had very little chance to respond following his difficult EFL Cup debut against Chelsea. James Trafford has taken control of the goalkeeper position and started the season strongly, leaving Zetterer waiting for another opportunity.
21. Alex Cairns
Cairns finds himself in a similar situation. The experienced goalkeeper remains a reliable squad option, but with Trafford established as the first choice and Zetterer seemingly ahead of him, opportunities have been limited.
20. Ilia Gruev
Gruev’s low position is largely influenced by his injury. The setback disrupted his start to the campaign and, despite making progress in his recovery, he has yet to put himself in contention for a regular starting role.
19. Jean-Matteo Bahoya
Bahoya has offered some encouraging signs, particularly with his speed and willingness to attack defenders. However, an ankle injury suffered while representing France Under-21s has halted his momentum at an unfortunate time.
18. Lukas Nmecha
Nmecha has struggled to secure a regular role with Dominic Calvert-Lewin currently ahead of him. He possesses useful qualities, but he must make a greater impact when opportunities come his way if he is to move up the pecking order.
17. Melvin Bard
Bard has been dependable without becoming a key figure. His experience gives Farke another defensive option, but several other players have made a stronger impression during the opening weeks.
16. Dan James
James may have expected to be much higher at this point.
His pace remains a significant threat and he can still make an impact from the bench, but he has not yet done enough to displace players from Farke’s preferred starting XI. With competition for attacking positions growing, James must make his chances count.
15. Sean Longstaff
Longstaff is yet to establish himself as a regular starter, although his Premier League experience makes him a valuable squad option. A sustained run of strong performances could see him rise considerably.
14. Harry Wilson
Wilson has arguably endured the slowest start among Leeds’ key summer signings.
There have been glimpses of his quality, but he is still waiting for his first goal or assist and has not secured a regular starting berth. His injury has also disrupted his progress, meaning he will need to make an immediate impact once fully fit.
13. Nico Elvedi
Elvedi has performed reliably since joining Leeds and appears comfortable within Farke’s tactical setup.
However, competition for places has worked against him. Muharemovic has quickly emerged as an important option, while Jaka Bijol provides another physical presence in defence.
12. Ao Tanaka
Tanaka remains one of Leeds’ most dependable midfielders. His technical ability, intelligence on the ball and versatility allow him to perform several different roles.
He may not receive as much attention as some of the newer arrivals, but Farke can rely on him to deliver a consistent performance.
11. Jaka Bijol
Bijol has not featured as regularly as some of Leeds’ other defenders, but his strength and experience could become increasingly valuable.
With Joe Rodon sidelined, Farke may turn to Bijol for greater physicality and defensive experience during tougher Premier League matches.
10. Noah Okafor
Okafor has made a respectable start but has yet to reach the level produced by some of Leeds’ other summer signings. His speed and direct approach provide a different attacking option, while there have been promising glimpses of his quality.
Consistency is now the key. Okafor needs to convert his promising moments into goals, assists and performances that make him difficult to drop. His ability means he could quickly climb the rankings, but there is still work to do.
9. Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson continues to provide energy, movement and intensity when pressing opponents. His biggest concern remains his contribution in the final third.
The attacking midfielder has yet to produce enough goals and assists to make his position completely secure. His overall qualities are clear, but Leeds need greater end product from him.
8. Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gudmundsson has enjoyed an encouraging introduction to life at Leeds. His energy and ability to contribute defensively and offensively have made him a useful part of Farke’s plans.
His versatility also gives the manager additional tactical flexibility.
7. Jayden Bogle
Bogle has been one of Leeds’ more noticeable attacking threats. His contributions going forward have already proved valuable, and he looks increasingly confident when moving into dangerous positions.
If he can combine that attacking output with greater defensive consistency, there is every chance he will move further up this ranking.
6. James Justin
Justin has quietly become one of Farke’s most dependable players. His ability to operate in different positions is extremely useful, while his experience provides valuable support to a team adjusting to life back in the Premier League.
He may not always attract attention, but his consistency is important.
5. Ethan Ampadu
The Leeds captain remains a hugely important figure.
Ampadu’s ability to operate in both midfield and defence gives Farke plenty of tactical options, while his leadership becomes even more significant with Rodon unavailable. His influence goes beyond the statistics.
4. Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin has enjoyed an outstanding beginning to his Leeds career.
His goals have naturally been crucial, but his all-round contribution has been equally important. He provides a dependable outlet, occupies opposing defenders and helps bring teammates into attacking situations.
After spending years searching for a dependable Premier League focal point, Leeds appear to have finally found one.
3. Anton Stach
Stach has been among the biggest movers during the opening stages of the season.
The midfielder has added strength, energy and composure to the centre of the pitch and already appears comfortable competing in the Premier League. Farke clearly has faith in him, and based on his current form, it would be surprising to see him dropped from the strongest XI.
2. James Trafford
Trafford arrived under significant pressure, particularly because of the expectations surrounding his transfer.
He has answered those questions impressively. The goalkeeper has looked assured, composed and increasingly commanding behind the defence. Leeds needed him to adapt quickly, and he has done exactly that.
1. Tarik Muharemovic
Muharemovic has arguably been Leeds’ biggest surprise package of the season.
The 23-year-old has displayed remarkable composure despite experiencing Premier League football for the first time. His physical strength and ability to operate within Farke’s defensive system have been especially impressive.
Reports that some of Europe’s leading clubs are already monitoring him underline how quickly his reputation is developing.
There is still plenty of time for Dan James to change the narrative around his season. If he can rediscover his best form and become more productive, he has the ability to climb the rankings quickly. The same can be said of Wilson, Aaronson and Longstaff.
After only five matches, Farke is already facing several difficult selection decisions. For Leeds, however, having so many competitive options is a positive problem to have.